Six speaking factors from worldwide break as England lose and sport thrown into chaos
The first seven days of a three-week international break are done but it wasn’t the start that Thomas Tuchel would have wanted after England’s gutting World Cup semi-final exit in the summer.
The Three Lions returned to Wembley to face the world and European champions Spain and led at half-time thanks to Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane’s goals ruling out Lamine Yamal’s opener.
However, Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal struck in the second half to turn the game on its head again and see La Roja begin the Nations League with maximum points. England’s next two opponents also faced off, with Croatia beating the Czech Republic 2-1 in Prague.
Kane had the chance to double England’s advantage from the spot early in the second half but his effort struck the crossbar before it was deemed a foul after the Bayern Munich marksman double-touched the ball.
England’s all-time leading goalscorer was looking for his 87th international goal, but he slipped on his run-up and accidentally double-touched the ball – resulting in an indirect free-kick being given.
In one of the most controversial games of the weekend, the Republic of Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary in a highly tense Nations League match.
The pre-match build-up was overshadowed by talks of protests and Gavin Bazunu refusing to play, despite accepting a call-up to the national team squad knowing they would face Israel twice.
During the Israel national anthem, Ireland players bowed their heads and refused to shake hands with their opponents in an effort to ‘”raise awareness worldwide”, according to head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson.
Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait Nouri has been sent home from international duty following a reported bust-up with an Algerian coach.
The defender was released after footage showed him appearing to angrily confront a member of the coaching staff. Ait-Nouri was left as an unused substitute in a 3-1 win over Zambia in Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, and he had to be calmed down by team-mates.
One of Liverpool’s brightest stars this season, Cody Gakpo, could face time on the sidelines after he was taken off just 17 minutes into the Netherlands’ Nations League clash with Serbia after a heavy challenge by Ipswich’s Sasa Lukic.
Gakpo tried to run off the ankle knock but was unable to continue and his national team boss Xavi confirmed he will undergo a scan on the injury, although he believes he has avoided serious damage.
In a double blow for the Reds, Alexander Isak also returned to the club after picking up a minor injury during Sweden’s 2-1 win over Romania.
Isak suffered a bloodied toe following a stamp but insisted to reporters after the game it was “okay.” He said: “You can see it [the injury]. It was a real stamp. Those of you who have played might know that it takes a few minutes before it lets go, but it was okay.”
