It’s nearly over!
The longest international break in living memory is drawing to a close. But who will return to Motspur Park buoyed and who will need an arm around the shoulder?
Oscar Bobb and Sander Berge, Norway
How could we start anywhere else other than: “Why’s Oscar Bobb just bagging goals this international break?” Thank you for the phrasing, Dom Betts.
The answer is threefold, in my view:
Position: for Norway, Bobb is allowed to play much more of an inside-forward role, with Haaland occupying the centre-backs and Ryerson/Pedersen providing width.
Service: Martin Ødegaard is superb. Backed up by none other than Bobb’s teammate Sander Berge, Ødegaard’s through ball for the goal against Wales was perfectly weighted for Oscar to do some weaving, ducking, diving and scuffing.
Freedom. They’re not necessarily expected to win, or even compete, in every game. Bobb has a role where he can pop up and cause problems.
Sander played 90 minutes in all of Norway’s matches, continuing his strong showings at the World Cup as their established number six. 7/10
Shea Charles, Northern Ireland
Our Rolls-Royce midfielder impresses in every game I watch him in since he signed.
He scored a last-gasp winner against Georgia and played 90 minutes in the other three matches against Hungary and Ukraine. He never looks phased, but could do with adding more goals and assists to his game with us to take his stock to the next level.
His brother looks like a decent keeper too. Please, Fulham: do the logical thing. 7/10
Antonee Robinson, USA
Jedi had the honour of captaining the USMNT for the first time in his career during their 4-2 win over Chile.
He once again demonstrated his return from last season’s injury problems, lasting the full 90 minutes, as he also did against Mexico.
It was particularly special that he was given the captain’s armband for this game, as it coincided with a presentation for Tim Ream before kick-off following his retirement from international football. 7/10
Gonzalo Garcia, Spain U21
Gonzalo drew a blank in his 90 minutes against Finland U21, before playing 20 minutes in Spain U21’s 13-0 thrashing of San Marino. He was introduced with Spain already 10-0 up, and wasn’t able to add to the scoreline.
He was overshadowed by Carlos Espí, who has taken his place in the Real Madrid team since his departure for Fulham.
Gonzalo made up for it with two goals against Romania in a strong performance up top. Good form heading into our important clash with Ipswich, and a timely reminder of his goalscoring ability. 6/10
Josh King, England U21
Josh played 98 minutes across the Young Lions’ two matches, looking particularly accomplished in his start against Kazakhstan in his usual inside-right position.
He had a less influential game during his 60 minutes against Ireland, but it’s reassuring to see him truly finding a position he can make his own for both club and country.
I’d expect a senior-team call-up at some point this season. 6/10
David Affengruber, Austria
A mixed bag for the Austrian Nesta.
He scored his first goal for the national team, before having his stock somewhat dented by the clip that’s been shared countless times on social media, with Troy Parrott beating him as part of his wonderful solo goal last Thursday.
He was an unused substitute against Kosovo. 6/10
Joachim Andersen, Denmark
Played the full 90 in all four matches against Norway, Wales, Portugal and Wales, with Denmark conceding seven goals across those games.
He did keep a clean sheet against Wales and captained the side for part of their final game. 6/10
Timothy Castagne, Belgium
Played well in his full outing during Belgium’s win over Italy, while also completing 90 minutes in their defeat to France, win over Turkey and second defeat to France.
Continues to be the reliable player Belgium can call upon when needed. 6/10
Hugo Larsson, Sweden
Grew into the international break after not playing a part in the first match, before making a 10-minute appearance against Bosnia and 25 minutes against Romania.
Get the feeling he’s a player still trying to find his way. 4/10
Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, Nigeria
It wasn’t a nice result for Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobion their travels, as Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau in their AFCON qualifier.
Following Iwobi’s assist against Madagascar, he was unable to influence Thursday’s match, while Bassey was part of a Nigerian defence that conceded three. 3/10