A number of Arsenal players were involved in February’s international break, which involved Nations League fixtures for the Gunners’ European stars, and SheBelieves Cup action in the USA for five players.

England: 

Alessia Russo was on hand to put England in front in a 1-1 draw away to Portugal, meeting Lauren James’ low cross to score the first goal of the Lionesses’ Nations League campaign.

The Arsenal striker played a pivotal role in Jess Park’s deciding goal against world champions Spain at Wembley, spinning away from Irene Paredes and driving into the penalty area. Paredes recovered to block her shot, with Park on hand to finish the job.

England captain Leah Williamson played both games, with Chloe Kelly a second half substitute in each, despite only coming into the squad after Beth Mead withdrew due to injury.

England youth:

Highly-rated striker Michelle Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal to Brighton & Hove Albion this season, netted a brace in England Under-23s’ 3-2 defeat to Germany. Her first goal saw the 19-year-old pick up the ball in space 20 yards from goal, turning and picking out the top corner with a fabulous finish, before being in the right place for a tap-in in the second half.

Teyah Goldie started for the U23s against Germany and France, and was named Player of the Match in the second fixture, a 1-0 win for the Young Lionesses. Arsenal defender Katie Reid came off the bench in both games.

At Under-19 level, Jessie Gale netted her first international goal in a 2-0 win over the USA, continuing her fine form for Arsenal U21s and third-tier Watford this season. 

Sophie Harwood, Cecily Wellesley-Smith, Laila Harbert, Vivienne Lia and Maddy Earl featured in the remainder of the Albir Garden Tournament, which saw the Young Lionesses lose to Spain and draw with the Netherlands.

Switzerland:

Lia Walti captained the Euro 2025 hosts in both of their Nations League outings, playing the entirety of a 0-0 draw against Iceland before pickpocketing Tuva Hansen to assist Sydney Schertenleib in Switzerland’s 2-1 defeat to Norway, playing another 90 minutes.

Australia:

The Matildas headed Stateside for the SheBelieves Cup, and returned empty handed, losing to Japan, the USA and Colombia.

Steph Catley, wearing the captain's armband in the long-term absence of Sam Kerr, started each game, along with Kyra Cooney-Cross, whilst Caitlin Foord started the first two before coming off the bench at half-time against Colombia.

USA:

Emily Fox and Jenna Nighswonger both started in the USA’ 2-0 win over Colombia, with Fox then a second half substitute against Australia as Emma Hayes made 11 changes.

The US would have to settle for second place, losing 2-1 to Japan with Fox playing 90 minutes and Nighswonger introduced at half-time.

Sweden:

Three of Arsenal’s four Swedes did not make the national squad for various reasons, but Stina Blackstenius played a key role in her side’s 2-1 win over Denmark, assisting Fridolina Rolfo’s winner nine minutes into the second half. Blackstenius then played the entirety of Sweden’s 1-1 draw away to Wales.

Spain:

Two injury-time goals saw Spain complete a remarkable comeback to beat Belgium 3-2, but La Roja were then defeated by England at Wembley. Mariona Caldentey registered an assist against Belgium, and started again against England.

There was no involvement for Arsenal defender Laia Codina in either game, although the substitute was booked for over celebrating against Belgium!

Netherlands:

Daphne van Domselaar played every minute between the sticks as the Netherlands drew 2-2 with Germany before beating Scotland 2-1 at Hampden Park.

Austria:

Van Domselaar was not the only Arsenal goalkeeper to face Scotland- Manu Zinsberger was able to keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win for Austria, featuring a stunning reaction save. She was kept busy again as Austria lost 4-1 to Germany, making ten saves.

Norway:

Frida Maanum came up against Walti in Norway’s late win over the Swiss, and also played the entirety of her side’s 1-0 defeat to France.

Republic of Ireland:

Carla Ward began her tenure as Ireland boss with a 1-0 win over Turkey, but the Girls in Green were then thumped 4-0 away to Slovenia. Captain Katie McCabe played every minute of both games.