5 things we learnt from the International break

I know that not many of you are huge fans of the international break, given that it’s so early on in the new season and we’ve had our fair share of international football in the last few months, but international football still has an aura about it. 

We were treated to some high-class football at the Copa America Centenario and Euro 2016, which went on to prove the world-class football on show in the international arena. Players do tend to ease off in the international breaks, but for some, it is the perfect platform to grab attraction of top clubs. 

Let’s take a look at 5 things we learned from the international break

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#1 New manager, but same old England 

Sam Allardyce still has a lot of work to do with England

Former Sunderland boss, Sam Allardyce, who plotted the Black Cats’ dramatic escape from relegation, was appointed as the new England boss, following their humiliating defeat to Iceland in Euro 2016 Round of 16. The English team lacked confidence, and for a team which needed some shuffling around, Allardyce fielded 8 of the 11 who took the field against Iceland. 

Manchester United and England skipper, Wayne Rooney put in yet another ineffective performance as he was deployed in a midfield role. He got better when he was sent higher up the field, and managed to register England’s first shot on target in the 64th minute against 10 men Slovakia. 

Adam Lallana’s late 96th-minute goal gave the Three Lions’ a 1-0 win over Slovakia, but it was far far away from convincing. However, there were a few positive for the English fans. Stones looks a solid prospect at the heart of English defense for years to come, and England looked a lot more threatening with Dele Alli’s introduction in the 64th minute. 

Big Sam still has a lot of work to do before England’s next encounter against Malta in a World Cup Qualifier fixture.