Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe admits he’s surprised that Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman have not been rewarded with international recognition.
Botman and Thiaw are in fine form for Newcastle United, having emerged as Howe’s first-choice central defenders in recent weeks.
The defence has been a bedrock for Newcastle United this season. Only Arsenal (3) have conceded fewer than the Magpies (5) heading into the eighth round of fixtures.
Botman and Thiaw remained at the Newcastle United training ground over the course of the international break.
When asked about their omission from their respective international squads, Howe expressed a slight degree of surprise.
Newcastle United defenders Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw tackle Barcelona forward Ferran Torres during a Champions League game.
Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images
Eddie Howe reacts to Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw not being called up by their countries
Botman has never been capped at senior level by the Netherlands, although that could be down to his long-term injury issues.
Fellow defender Thiaw, meanwhile, does have three caps for the German national team but the last of those came back in 2023.
It does seem somewhat harsh that both were overlooked. Both nations have some talented players in those positions but Botman and Thiaw have been so good that their absence was notable.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Asked about being in the international wilderness, Howe said: “In terms of Malick and Sven, they’re such high-quality players.
“I think I’m always surprised when they’re not involved with their national teams. There’s different reasons for both and you have to understand that.
“But I’m sure, long term, that’s a big aim for both players. I’m sure if they continue to play as they are, they’re going to get those call-ups.”
The Newcastle United stars who could miss the 2026 World Cup
Hopefully for Botman and Thiaw, they do enough to force their way into the reckoning ahead of the World Cup if both of their teams qualify.
Still, they aren’t the only Toon stars who could miss out on next summer’s tournament.
Several Newcastle United players may not go to the 2026 World Cup, either because of their respective countries won’t qualify or they will simply be left out of the squad.
Anthony Elanga, Nick Pope, Lewis Hall, William Osula and Emil Krafth are all at risk, too.