Leeds United will have four representatives at this summer’s FIFA World Cup after successfully securing their Premier League status in their first season back in the top flight.
Several Leeds players impressed throughout the campaign and came close to earning places in their national squads. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was handed an England recall after years away from the setup but ultimately failed to make the final World Cup squad. Anton Stach was also under consideration for Germany but narrowly missed out.
The Whites will instead be represented by Gabriel Gudmundsson, Ao Tanaka, Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor at the tournament.
However, there is already concern over Gudmundsson’s availability. Reports from the Sweden camp suggest the defender is battling illness and remains a doubt for their opening match.
Leeds will also have familiar faces on the touchline during the competition. Former manager Marcelo Bielsa has guided Uruguay to the World Cup, while Jesse Marsch will lead co-hosts Canada.
Marsch remains a divisive figure among Leeds supporters following his spell at Elland Road, but he has rebuilt his reputation since taking charge of the Canadian national team.
Speaking on The Rest is Football on Netflix, Alan Shearer backed Marsch to exceed expectations at the tournament.
“Jesse Marsch has signed a new deal,” Shearer said.
“They don’t concede many goals; they largely play 4-4-2, get lots of men behind the ball, and don’t take too many chances defensively.
“I think he will do all right; Canada will do all right.”
Canada begin their World Cup campaign on Friday when they take on Bosnia.
Despite Shearer’s confidence, not everyone shares his optimism about Marsch’s chances.
Roy Keane recently labelled the American “useless” and dismissed the possibility of Canada making a significant impact at the tournament. Those comments may have resonated with some Leeds fans who still hold negative views about Marsch’s time at the club.
Marsch succeeded Bielsa at Elland Road but struggled to convince during his tenure. Despite receiving substantial backing in the transfer market, results failed to improve consistently, leading to his dismissal.
Leeds’ poor start to that campaign eventually contributed to their relegation to the Championship, leaving many supporters with mixed memories of the American’s spell in charge.
