15 BVB players are currently on duty with their national teams. Four Black & Yellows played for their nations on Thursday evening - all of them were successful in helping their team to victory. Salih Özcan even set up the decisive goal in a 1-0 win for Turkey.

While Ramy Bensebaini (Algeria) only played a friendly fixture, Julian Ryerson (Norway), Salih Özcan (Turkey) and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (England U21) were all in action in the European Championship qualifiers.

The Turkey national team had a headline match away to Croatia on Thursday evening. Salih Özcan played the full 90 minutes and had a key role to play, as he provided the assist for what proved to be the match-winning goal in the 30th minute. The Turkish midfielder sent teammate Baris Yilmaz through on goal with a cutting through-ball from inside his own half. Yilmaz then lobbed the ball over the keeper's head and into the empty net from 20 metres out. The narrow 1-0 victory means Turkey now sit atop Group D.

In Group A, the Norway national team picked up a 4-0 win away to Cyprus. Julian Ryerson played the full 90 minutes. On Sunday (20:45 CET), the defender and his country will face second-placed Spain, who are currently two points ahead of Norway.

Ramy Bensebaini was also in action for the Algeria national team, as they notched up a comfortable 5-1 win in a friendly with Cape Verde. After a second friendly match next Monday (18:00 CET) against Egypt, Algeria will then compete in the Africa Cup of Nations. 

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens was active with the England U21s, as he came on for goalscorer Noni Madueke in the 68th minute of a 9-1 win over their Serbian counterparts. The BVB forward provided an attacking spark in the final 20 minutes with his strong solo running. The 'Young Lions' now lead Group F with six points.

The next international matches with Black & Yellow involvement are scheduled for Friday evening, when Youssoufa Moukoko (Germany U21), Karim Adeyemi (Germany U21), Marcel Sabitzer (Austria) and Donyell Malen (Netherlands) will be in action with their respective national teams. (nh)