5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶

It’s the first international break of the season and while there have been the usual groans from the club over country mob, there are still plenty of top fixtures to whet the appetite.

We’ve picked out five must-watch games.

5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶

France vs Belgium

We’re stretching our weekend must-watch games into next week due to the international schedule and Monday night brings a cracker between these neighbouring nations.

Neither side overly impressed at Euro 2024 as the big nations flattered to deceive, though it was Les Bleus who came out on top in their last-16 clash. Jan Vertonghen’s own goal condemned Belgium to an early exit and France have now won the last three meetings.

The Belgium squad is without Thibaut Courtois, who is refusing to play for head coach Domenico Tedesco, or record scorer Romelu Lukaku. Lois Openda – who netted twice in RB Leipzig’s win at Leverkusen last weekend – is expected to be handed his chance in Lukaku’s absence.

Spice rating: Mild 🌶

France vs Italy

France feature for a second time on this list ahead of a Friday night showdown with Italy. The traditional titans of European football collide in the Nations League at the Parc des Princes, looking to rebuild from underwhelming Euro 2024 campaigns.

France failed to find their goalscoring groove in the summer, while Italy’s defence of the European Championship ended abruptly at the hands of Switzerland.

It’s the first competitive meeting between the nations, who contested the Euro 2000 and 2006 World Cup finals, in 16 years.

Spice rating: Medium 🌶🌶

Netherlands vs Germany

There’s no love lost when the Netherlands and Germany meet in international football. An old-age rivalry prepares for the latest instalment as the countries clash in the UEFA Nations League.

The Dutch come into the contest with a feel-good factor after reaching the Euro 2024 semi-finals, while there was plenty to like about Germany’s campaign on home soil, even if Spain ended their dream in the last eight.

A whopping 11 English-based players feature in the Netherlands squad, including Manchester United summer signings Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee, in-form Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and uncapped Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Spice rating: Hot 🌶🌶🌶

Republic of Ireland vs England

England face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin in their Nations League opener on Saturday.

There’s a fresh feel to the squad with interim boss Lee Carsley preparing for his first game in charge, against the nation he represented 40 times as a player. Four uncapped players feature with Morgan Gibbs-White, Noni Madueke, Tino Livramento and Angel Gomes called into a squad lacking stars including Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.

After success with the u-21 side, can Carsley stamp his mark on the England senior side?

Declan Rice and Jack Grealish can expect less than warm receptions, having switched their international allegiances from Ireland to England earlier in their careers.

Spice rating: Fire 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

Colombia vs Argentina 

South America’s World Cup qualifying heats up with a rematch of the Copa America final on Tuesday.

The continental decider saw Argentina defend their crown courtesy of Lautaro Martinez’s extra-time winner, with Colombia proving to be a tough nut to crack. Argentina top the qualification table and warmed up for the clash with a 3-0 win over Chile, though Colombia are the only unbeaten team in the standings.

Tune in.

Spice rating: Insane 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

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