Škrtel played international football for Slovakia youth teams, before making his debut in the senior squad in 2004. He was selected in Slovakia's squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the country's first as an independent nation. He played a crucial part in the side's 3–2 win over reigning champions Italy as he played in every match of their World Cup campaign, which saw Slovakia reach the round-of-16, where they lost to the eventual runners-up, the Netherlands. Škrtel captained Slovakia through UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying which saw the Slovaks defeat defending champions Spain en route to qualifying for the final tournament in France, where they achieved the Round of 16, beating Russia and tying with England.