Why is the international break three weeks long? England’s four fixtures explained

England have a busy international break ahead of them (Picture: FIFA via Getty)

The first international break of the season is now underway – but as many fans have already noticed, it’s a bit different this year.

Traditionally, international breaks last two weeks, with each country playing two games during the fortnight of action.

But this international window will last for three weeks, which kicked off on September 21 and will last until October 9, with European teams each taking part in four Nations League group stage games.

Given the unusually long length, the October international break has effectively been scrapped and has been merged with the September window instead.

The next round of international matches after this will be in November, with countries playing twice across two weeks. For European teams, the November window will see them play the final two games of their Nations League group campaigns.

The move was made, in part, due to the late finish to the World Cup, which concluded on July 19 – making it the latest date the tournament has finished on since 1966.

With player welfare a primary concern, it was deemed that one break, instead of two, would help to reduce the stresses and strains of international travel.

Even so, some players have still dropped out of appearing this break, with the likes of Cole Palmer and Declan Rice withdrawing from the England squad over injury concerns.

Jude Bellingham will be back in a Three Lions shirt (Picture: FIFA via Getty)

This will be particularly welcome for players who have to travel between continents to play for their national sides, such as European-based players who represent South American and African teams.

Crucially, countries will not be playing more games than they otherwise would have done – six games will still be contested between now and Christmas.

This new international calendar, which was approved by FIFA back in March 2023, will remain in place until at least 2030.

When are England playing next?

England’s first game will be against world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26.

The Three Lions will then head to Prague to face Czechia on Tuesday, September 29, before travelling to play Croatia on Saturday, October 3.

England face a tough test against Spain (Picture: Getty)

Thomas Tuchel’s men will then wrap up the international break with a return clash against Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday, October 6.

Their remaining games will take place in November against Croatia (H) and Spain (A) on the 12th and 15th, respectively.

The top two teams in each group from League A will qualify for the quarter-finals, with semi-finals and a final to follow.

The knockout-round matches will be held in the summer of 2027.

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