The Black Cats’ first-team haven’t won in seven games coming into March’s international break after six losses and a draw against QPR at the Stadium of Light in the Championship last week.
However, several members of Mike Dodds’ first-team squad have been called up for international duty alongside several starlets from Sunderland’s youth teams. Here, we take a look at each player jetting off to their respective countries during the break:
5. Trey Ogunsuyi
The 17-year-old has been called up to Belgium's under-18s squad with the winger hoping to feature against Wales in a two-legged friendly. Photo: Ben Cuthbertson
6. Matty Young
After three clean sheets in nine appearances during his loan spell with Darlington in the National League North, Young will head out with the Young Lions to play a part in the Pinatar Super Cup for the under-18s side. England will play three games whilst out in Spain with the Sunderland stopper hoping to add to the one cap Young earned back in November against Mexico after extending his loan at Darlington until the end of the season. Photo: Ben Cuthbertson
7. Leo Hjelde
Sunderland defender Leo Hjelde, 20, has received his latest call-up and looks set to add to his 15 caps for Norway's under-21s, who will face the Netherlands and San Marino. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Timur Tuteriov
Tutierov has received another call-up ahead of important qualifying matches for Ukraine's under-19s team. Ukraine will feature against North Macedonia, Latvia and Switzerland as they bid to book their place at the U19 European Championships. Photo: George Wood