Four international games you have to watch over the break | OneFootball

Managers and players have already voiced their disdain for pointless friendlies and UEFA Nations League football, but there are still a few interesting ties to look out for.

So we’ve done our best to try and list them all! Here are four games you need to watch over the international break.

Netherlands vs Germany – Saturday October 13

The Amsterdam ArenA hosts Netherlands v Germany on Thursday and both sides are in need of a win after equally poor runs.

Ronald Koeman has improved things slightly after difficult periods under Danny Blind and Dick Advocaat, but is struggling for attacking fluency with just four goals in their last four games.

Memphis Depay and Quincy Promes are the obvious danger men, but Steven Bergwijn and Arnaut Danjuma Groeneveld have earned maiden call-ups to provide some attacking spark.

Germany, meanwhile, have one big problem: injuries. Whether they are genuine injuries or “injuries” remains to be seen but this is an inexperienced squad.

Without Mesut Özil and Sami Khedira, only Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Jérôme Boateng, Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller can boast more than 30 appearances under Jogi Löw.

Some may say this is a good thing for Die Mannschaft after their embarrassing exit in Russia, but with just two wins in their last five games, there’s lots of growing up to do.

On paper, Germany still have one of the most talented squads in world football but their lack of identity could be a more worrying issue moving forward.

Brazil vs Argentina – Tuesday October 16

Brazil take on Argentina in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and we’re pretty excited.

Following their disappointing World Cup performance, this is an opportunity for Tite to bed in some new young players as he plans around his next generation.

Lucas Paquetá has been a standout Brasilerão performer for Flamengo, Eder Militão has impressed for FC Porto, with Malcom and Richarlison also given a chance to stake their claim alongside an already frightening frontline.

Messi-less Argentina are also in a period of transition under Lionel Scaloni who has selected another exciting squad for their upcoming friendlies.

Mauro Icardi and Paulo Dybala – marginalised under the previous regime have been called up – alongside Cristian Pavón, Lautaro Martínez and Giovanni Simeone.

Santiago Ascacibar and Giovani Lo Celso have also been rewarded for their impressive club form at Stuttgart and Real Betis respectively.

Even if this is just a friendly, we could learn a lot about both managers and how they plan to build for the future.

Spain vs England – Monday October 15

In a repeat of last month’s tie at Wembley, Spain host England in Seville.

Spain endured an awful World Cup after hiring Julen Lopetegui, before sacking him and appointing Fernando Hierro, who then resigned following their early exit as Luis Enrique was appointed.

However they’ve put that to one side and are looking like the Spain of old. They were confident in London before putting six past Croatia, showing again the embarrassment of riches they boast.

What makes good sides ‘great’ is how consistent you can be with such a patchy schedule and against tough opposition, La Roja know this is a chance to make a statement.

England also have a statement to make. Was the World Cup a fluke or have they really changed?

Gareth Southgate was rewarded with a new contract and now the hard work begins. The core of the squad remains the same, but with some exciting young players coming through, challenging the likes of Spain, Belgium and France for Euro 2020 will be the target.

Southgate hinted before his squad announcement last week that “performances matter more than results” and that “Nations League relegation doesn’t matter” which is fine. But beating Spain on home soil – after they beat you – would really cement the squad’s credentials.

United States vs Colombia – Friday October 12

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) released a statement on Wednesday about “looking to the future”.

World Cup tournaments in 2022 and 2026 are the target following their embarrassing qualification campaign for 2018, stating that a focus on “grit, determination and improvement” will carry them through.

Until the mentality around soccer changes there won’t be much improvement, but gradually, as more prospects take the leap abroad, this will be a huge help. Playing against sides like Trinidad & Tobago won’t help – but pitting yourselves against Colombia offers a true gauge of where you are.

Colombia may have an interim coach but not much else has changed.

James Rodríguez and Radamel Falcao are still the starts as Arturo Reyes has called on 12 players who were part of the World Cup squad.

But one thing you can always expect with Los Cafeteros is entertainment. Red cards, screamers, mental fans – we’re expecting a feisty affair.