I hate international football.
Seriously, how can it be the SECOND international break of the season already? We’re only seven matches into the season! That said... a palate cleanser was sorely needed after the loss to Brighton, so maybe some time away from Tottenham Hotspur FC is better for all our collective mental health.
One of the big stories of the break (at least as far as us Spurs fans are concerned) was Pedro Porro’s recall to the Spanish national team following a serious knee injury to Dani Carvajal. Porro, who perhaps unfairly missed out the Spain’s Euro-winning side, made the most of his recall, immediately coming into the starting XI and keeping a clean sheet as Spain defeated Denmark 1-0.
The other item of note was the continued form of Dejan Kulusevski as he was an absolute standout in Sweden’s 2-2 draw with Slovakia. He dominated the match from in behind the striker, creating three chances, taking seven shots, and generating approximately 1 billion xA. He was joined in the squad by fellow Lilywhite and compatriot Lucas Bergvall, who didn’t manage to see the pitch.
Elsewhere in Europe, Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario both had to settle for bench roles with Italy, with the former seeing some minutes late in a 2-2 draw against Belgium; and there was yet another 4-goal match in which the points were shared as Wales took on Iceland, with Brennan Johnson yet again getting himself on the scoresheet and Ben Davies going the distance as captain. Dominic Solanke managed to get himself an assist in what was a rare bright moment for England in an embarrassing home defeat to Greece, before remaining on the woodwork as the Three Lions took down Finland.
The defensive duo of Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin were the last European performers from the Spurs squad. Van de Ven played largely left back in a 90 minute performance that saw points shared, while Dragusin both kept a clean sheet and got himself a goal... against European titans Cyprus. Still though, not a bad effort all round! Finally, further south Yves Bissouma apparently played striker(?) as Mali defeated Guinea-Bissau, while Pape Matar Sarr did not see the pitch as Senegal put Malawi to the sword.
So some positives to take away from the window thus far. Another? Sonny isn’t playing 180 minutes of international matches, and is nearing full fitness as the break comes to a close, while Cristian Romero has also been rested for Argentina. Good news, everyone!
I still hate international football.
Spurs International Appearances: