International Round-Up | Bluebirds star ahead of Euro 2020!

Ahead of Euro 2020 beginning this weekend, we take a look at how Cardiff City players fared on their travels during the pre-tournament fixtures...

Rubin Colwill makes international debut for Wales!

Having been named in Wales' 26-man squad headed to Euro 2020, a life-long dream for City starlet Rubin Colwill was fulfilled as he earned his first senior cap for his country on Wednesday, June 2nd.

With previous experience playing for both Wales' U17 and U21 sides, Rubin's rapid ascent has been rewarded by his first appearance for Rob Page's side, against the current World champions, no less.

Appearing in the closing minutes of Wales' friendly against France at the Allianz Riviera in Nice, the 19-year-old got some crucial minutes under his belt ahead of the campaign opener against Switzerland on Saturday.

Also appearing in both of the Wales friendlies last week was Kieffer Moore. The striker made appearances off the bench against both France and Albania, playing the full second half in the latter fixture.

Now with a total of 17 appearances for the Dragons, Moore will be looking to hit the ground running in his first major tournament playing for his country, as they look ahead to tough Group Stage fixtures against Switzerland, Turkey and Italy.

Leandro Bacuna nets for Curacao

Playing in a World Cup Qualifier against the British Virgin Islands on Saturday, Leandro Bacuna played a full 90 minutes for his country as they went on to win 8-0 in Guatemala City.

With the side temporarily managed by former Dutch footballer Patrick Kluivert in the absence of regular manager Guus Hiddink, the Curacaoans were ahead by six goals in the opening half hour, the third of which was scored by City midfielder Bacuna.

Having started the match alongside his brother, Huddersfield Town midfielder Juninho, Leandro led his country to their third consecutive victory in the Qualifying campaign so far.

Now at the top of their Group on goal difference, Curacao next look to face similarly undefeated Guatemala, with their fixture taking place on Wednesday at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Curacao.

Whyte and Brown feature for Northern Ireland

Travelling to the Dnipro Arena, Dnipro for their fixture against Ukraine on Thursday, Northern Ireland were narrowly defeated by virtue of an early goal from the hosts' Oleksandr Zubkov.

Starting the match for the visitors was Cardiff City defender Ciaron Brown, who made his second consecutive start for his country, being subbed with a minute of regular time remaining.

As for his clubmate Gavin Whyte, the winger came off the bench with ten minutes left, having started and scored for Northern Ireland in their previous fixture against Malta.

Brown now has five caps for his country, whilst Gavin Whyte has made a total of ten appearances since his debut in 2018.

Ukraine will now travel to compete in Euro 2020 over the coming weeks, while Northern Ireland will return to action in September for their World Cup Qualifier against Lithuania.

James Collins helps Republic of Ireland to victory over Andorra

Starting for his country on Thursday evening, James Collins played for the majority of the Republic of Ireland's 4-1 away win over Andorra.

Following a goalless first half, the visitors came from behind soon after conceding in the 52nd minute of play, and were ahead just past the hour mark. 

Two further late goals cemented the result in favour of the Irishmen, who now travel to face Hungary on Tuesday evening as the Hungarians prepare for their Euro 2020 campaign.

Ntazana Mayembe makes his debut for Zambia!

Rubin Colwill wasn't the only young Bluebird to make an international debut for his country over the last week, as U23 forward Ntazana Mayembe took to the field for Zambia on Saturday.

In an international friendly between Zambia and Senegal, the 18-year-old made a late appearance as a substitute, earning his first cap in the process. Facing off against the likes of Liverpool striker Sadio Mané, the young forward now travels with Zambia for another international friendly on Tuesday afternoon, this time against Benin.