Three best games to watch during September’s international break

September’s international break is just around the corner as club football heads into a fortnight hiatus to accommodate the latest set of Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe and South America, respectively.

The Euro 2024 qualifiers dominate the international break from the 4th to the 12th of September, with the qualifying campaign for the continent’s most prestigious tournament reaching a crunch period. 

Defending world champions Argentina and record-time winners Brazil are keen to set the tone for another straightforward qualifying cycle in the CONMEBOL confederation. 

While the stakes are at an all-time high in Europe, several high-profile international friendlies await us in September as we look at the three most exciting match-ups to watch out for over the next fortnight. 

Ukraine vs England (Euro 2024 qualifiers) – September 9

England’s bid to qualify for the fourth consecutive European Championship finals has proved plain sailing thus far, with Gareth Southgate’s in-form side winning all four qualifying Group C fixtures.

Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were on the scoresheet as the Three Lions eased past Ukraine at Wembley Stadium in the reverse fixture last March, making it five consecutive H2Hs without a loss (W3, D2).

Euro 2020 runners-up will be keen to uphold their superior H2H record when the two nations lock horns at Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland, which would all but seal qualification for next summer’s tournament.

In the build-up to the match, Southgate tried to address several burning issues during a comprehensive interview with The Athletic.

Germany vs France (friendly) – September 12 

Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park hosts a mouth-watering international friendly between eternal rivals Germany and France on September 12.

Les Bleus have emerged victorious in the last two meetings between the two European heavyweights, ousting Die Mannschaft by a single-goal margin on both occasions.

Germany’s last win over Didier Deschamps’ side dates back to 2014, highlighting Hansi Flick’s desperate desire to end his team’s woeful four-game winless run (D1, L3) in this of all fixtures.

Scotland vs England (friendly) – September 12

England will drop the curtain on their September commitments at Hampden Park against neighbours Scotland, looking to avenge a brace of H2H draws. 

Despite the Tartan Terriers’ flawless four-game start to their Euro 2024 qualifying (W4), you’d need to go back to 1999 for Scotland’s last triumph against the Three Lions.

England have been relentless against Scotland in the 21st century, clocking three wins and two draws in five encounters across all competitions, friendlies included.