This international break is a bit of a pain for many but it’s important for England, who need a bit of a reset after a disappointing 2022. twoht
England really need a mood reset from this most unwelcome international breakThis international break is a bit of a pain for many but it’s important for England, who need a bit of a reset after a disappointing 2022.It’s an international break no-one really wants, has come just as the domestic season is starting to find some sort of rhythm, and may result in injuries club sides cannot afford. But England need these upcoming Nations League games against Italy and Germany.
And the confidence that surrounded the men’s team was certainly shaken by their four Nations League matches played at the very tail end of last season. It’s true to say that no-one seemed to particularly want these games to be taking place at the end of a lengthy season which itself had been squeezed by the pandemic, and while draws at home against Italy and away against Germany were creditable enough results, a double beating at the hands of Hungary hinted at a team that was running on empty.
What England really need right now is a mood-resetter; decent performances against Italy and Germany would likely provide that. But things have been far from perfect. Harry Maguire continues his metamorphosis from man to meme, while Kalvin Phillips is injuredThere are players who should at least be knocking on the door of a place in this team but who won’t be due to injury or a lack of form.