The international break is, admittedly, somewhat tedious. Just as the Premier League gets going, players are whisked away by their countries to play in matches that very few care about.
But watching England these days is something to be savoured. The Three Lions, in stark contrast to years gone by, are a swashbuckling, entertaining outfit. Just this break alone, England have scored 11 goals from just three outings. With Czech Republic lying in wait on Tuesday night, there’s an expectancy that number will only grow.
Some, of course, are still mending their hearts following the World Cup back in the summer.
After stirring victories over the likes of Croatia, Mexico and Norway, the Three Lions came up agonisingly short against Argentina in the semi-finals. Anthony Gordon’s goal had given them legitimate reason to dream of a first World Cup triumph in 60 years. Cruelly, the game turned around late on with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scoring to send Lionel Messi and his aggressive pack through at their expense.
It was crushing. Something that, according to Thomas Tuchel, has left a ‘scar’.
But England’s performances during their Nations League campaign have been a joy to watch. The tournament itself lacks the pedigree of the World Cup and Euros. Yet a trophy is a trophy and England, based on their three matches so far, look like a side capable of lifting it next year.
Against Spain on matchday one, they were unfortunate to lose.
England produced a brilliant performance at Wembley, only for individual mistakes to cost them dear. Nico O’Reilly and Marc Guehi, both of Manchester City, made errors during a week when it had emerged their club had been found guilty of breaking Premier League rules. 114 of them, in fact.
England have been outstanding during their Nations League campaign so far, scoring 11 goals from just three matches
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GETTY
Away in the Czech Republic, the match lacked the same intensity as against Spain but England still emerged victorious. Gordon and Harry Kane struck to seal victory on that occasion.
Against Croatia on Saturday, though, England scaled new heights under Tuchel, producing their best performance of the German’s reign to date.
Yes, they were playing in front of local children after UEFA had forced the contest to be played behind closed doors.
Yes, England were playing against a Croatia team still dependent on older statesmen such as Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, two players who were at the peak of their powers a decade ago but now shadows of their old selves.
Jude Bellingham has been sensational for England during the international break
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GETTYHowever, the way the Three Lions bulldozed and steamrolled their way to victory was impressive. With the magical Jude Bellingham at the forefront, England ran riot, scoring seven goals without reply to inflict the heaviest defeat in the hosts’ entire history.
Tuchel’s front four is a joy to watch. In Bellingham, they have arguably the best midfielder in the whole of world football. Though only 23, he has already represented his country on 59 occasions. Roy Keane, notoriously tough to please, even said over the weekend that he had the potential to become one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
Gordon’s evolution shouldn’t go unnoticed, either.
The winger has already risen a level since leaving Newcastle for Barcelona, with England now reaping the rewards. Having competed with Marcus Rashford for a starting berth at the World Cup, the left-wing position is now very much his to lose.
Kane remains as formidable as ever. There are fears what England will do when he eventually starts to wane but there’s no sign of that happening just yet. The 33-year-old has four goals from his last three international outings. Given how professional he is, fans can expect him to lead the line at the Euros in 2028. Given the longevity of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, another World Cup appearance can’t be entirely ruled out either.
Bukayo Saka is another superstar. Now a Premier League champion with Arsenal, the 25-year-old is undroppable on the right flank. Had injury now held him back at the World Cup, who knows what could have happened. Maybe, just maybe, the game against Argentina could have gone differently.
Thomas Tuchel has got England firing across the board as they go in search of Nations League glory
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REUTERSIt hasn’t always been like this with England. Under Steve McClaren, they once failed to beat Macedonia at home. When Sven-Goran Eriksson ruled the roost, the Three Lions were humbled by Australia, despite fielding a young Wayne Rooney. Even in the 2024 Nations League, England lost to Greece.
Now, however, fans are watching the real deal. Drab though the international break, England have a team capable of causing excitement.
It’s not the World Cup or the Euros, but winning the Nations League would give Tuchel and his men a huge platform to build on.
It can’t be taken for granted.
