Zirkzee was a late addition to the Netherlands squad during the international break despite making limited appearances for Manchester United at the start of the season.
He came off the bench to score the winning goal against Serbia, giving him a timely boost after admitting that his role at club level has been reduced to that of a substitute.
"There is a lot of competition at Manchester United," Zirkzee said after the match. "The manager has the choice. At the moment, the choice is that I mostly come on as a substitute."
The forward accepted that he must do more himself to change the situation, although he acknowledged that earning a starting place at United will not be straightforward.
"Ultimately I have to do something about it myself, but it is not easy either," he said.
Zirkzee had not expected to receive a late call-up from Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez given his lack of regular football at United. The striker said he was therefore particularly pleased that Xavi had selected him.
"It was a big surprise when the coach called me up, I really hadn't expected it," Zirkzee told ESPN. "I'm not a starter at United. So it felt good that the coach had the courage to select me."
His goal against Serbia has now given Zirkzee something positive to take back to Manchester as he looks to force his way into United's starting XI.
The 2-1 victory also gave the Netherlands three important points, with Zirkzee's contribution coming despite beginning the international period outside the original squad.
United's next Premier League fixture is against Tottenham, giving Zirkzee an immediate opportunity to show that his international impact can translate into more minutes at club level.
The Netherlands performance could therefore prove useful for the 25-year-old, who now returns to a club situation where every appearance matters as he attempts to turn a substitute role into a starting opportunity.