- We have selected the best matches to watch during November’s international break.
As the Euro 2024 qualification process draws to a close, this year’s last international break looks to be quite significant.
There’s much to watch over the next few days, but football fans usually complain when the Premier League schedule is interrupted.
During November’s international break, we have selected the best matches to watch.
England vs Malta – November 17th
England have already qualified for the Euros next year. Photo/Eurosport
Gareth Southgate’s team has booked their spot in the European competition with games remaining, as England easily qualified for the event next summer. Matches against Malta and North Macedonia round off the Three Lions’ qualification campaign as Southgate prepares his team for a shot at the European Championship.
Before their trip to Wembley on Friday night, the former had lost seven straight qualifying matches, scoring just twice and giving up eighteen goals. Malta won’t likely produce much in the way of a contest, but the match is a great opportunity for Southgate, who isn’t often willing to try new things, to give others a chance.
This week saw the introductions of Ezri Konsa, Rico Lewis, and Cole Palmer in the senior squad. Ollie Watkins, meantime, will be hoping for another tryout at center forward following Callum Wilson’s withdrawal from the team.
Netherlands vs Republic of Ireland – November 18th
Netherlands celebrate after their 2-0 win over Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium. Photo/ Channels Television.
In order to qualify for the European Championship, the Netherlands must do well in their next matches against Gibraltar and Ireland this month. In Group B, the Dutch are tied for third place on points with France, the group champions.
Before the penultimate round of qualifiers, the Oranje’s fate remained in their own hands after Virgil van Dijk’s penalty gave them a late victory in Greece last time out. The 17-year-old Jorrel Hato of Ajax and Thijs Dallinga of Toulouse, who scored both at home and away against Liverpool during this season’s Europa League group stage, are the first two inexperienced players picked by Ronald Koeman’s team.
Ireland has had a rough qualifying campaign overall, and a victory this weekend versus them would guarantee the Netherlands a spot at Euro 2024.
Ukraine vs Italy – November 20th
Although England has been officially declared the champion of Group C in the Euro 2024 qualifying tournament, it appears like there will be a close competition to determine who will advance with the Three Lions.
Having played one more game than the Azzurri, Ukraine is in second place, three points ahead of Italy. In the match that matters, Italy takes on North Macedonia on November 17. A victory there would tie the sides on points, setting up a shootout for the championship on November 20.
In a closely contested match in September, Italy prevailed 2-1 over Ukraine thanks to a double from Davide Frattesi at Santiago. Because of the current situation in Ukraine, the rematch will take place at BayArena in Germany, home of Bayer Leverkusen.
Having scored seven La Liga goals in 13 games since joining Girona last summer, Ukraine will be hoping Artem Dovbyk can maintain his stellar club form this season. Ukraine’s top scorer in the qualification round, Viktor Tsyhankov, also joined his compatriot at Girona, and Danylo Sikan of Shakhtar Donetsk has scored three goals in four Champions League games this season.
Wales vs Turkey – November 21st
Wales celebrating a goal against Croatia.Photo/Sky Sports
After surprising World Cup semifinalist Croatia in their most recent match, Wales maintained their chances of qualifying for the European Championship. Wales defeated Croatia 2-1 in Cardiff thanks to a brace from Harry Wilson, moving Rob Page’s team up to second position in the group.
Now is the critical moment for Wales, as they go to play a team from Armenia that is still vying for qualification before playing Turkey, the team leading the group.
Wales would be in control of their destiny against a Turkish squad that has secured their spot in the finals if they had a favorable outcome in Armenia. Wales’ most recent squad includes Sunderland full-back Niall Huggins and uncapped Jay Dasilva, who played for England at the u21 level. After missing October’s games due to injury, Brennan Johnson is back in the starting lineup. Last weekend, he scored a goal for Spurs in the Premier League.
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