INTERNATIONAL ROUND UP – ENGLAND

The International break. Despised by the many. Loved by the few. It is quite the task to find someone who enjoys the international break more than the regular Premier league fixtures. But what the International break does boast advantage to is the possibility of national pride. It gives the players the opportunity to do their country and its supporters proud, with club loyalties aside, they come together as a collective and work towards success. Or in the case of the Italians, failure.

The spectacle of International football on the other hand is a whole other kettle of fish. In theory (emphasis on the theory), a congregation of the countries best players coming together to play should result in a scintillating display of the beautiful game. But yet it rarely does. With England and Germany playing out another international classic that finished 0-0, its tough to draw positives. Get it, draw? But what we can admire from that performance is the fact that a youthful England side can hold their own against the number 1 ranked side in the World.

Most impressive of a side that boasted players such as Tammy Abraham and Joe Gomez, the stand out players were Jordan Pickford between the sticks and Ruben Loftus-Cheek outfield. Pickford was forced into action early making a few good saves down to his right. This was due to a new combination of defenders taking to the field in the England colours of Navy Blue. With the line of players in front of him looking shaky, Pickford excelled when called upon, making a real case for the England number 1 spot. Gareth Southgate was full of praise for his keeper although recognised his contributions were due to defensive error. In his post match interview he said “in the first half we needed a couple of really goods saves from Jordan Pickford – we caused our own problems with a couple of those.”

A combination of mesmerising skill and close control along with a great range of passing won Ruben Loftus-Cheek man of the match on his first appearance in Englands senior side. It took time but Loftus cheek grew into the game and started to pass through the German defence with ease. Loftus Cheek showed similar inspiration in the second game of the break against Brazil. The 21 year old oozed confidence in the game against Brazil as a result of the outpouring encouragement and support he received from the public after a great England Debut. Unfortunately he was withdrawn from the game with an injury after 34 minutes, being replaced by Jesse Lingard. With such talent at such a young age it would be fair to say the future is bright for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

England played out another tense 0-0 against Brazil, with the South American side dominating for most of the game and having the best chances.