Yet another international break is upon us! Club football enters another pause, with national teams now preparing to take center stage. A lot of action will be taking place over the next week or so, with the likes of the Euro 2020 Playoffs, World Cup qualifiers, and the UEFA Nations League taking place.
However, the focus of this piece is international friendlies, games that do not have the best of reputations among football fans. However, several exciting fixtures are scheduled to take place this international break, including interesting games involving England, Belgium, Portugal, France, and many others.
Here are the top 11 friendly matches to watch from November 11 to the 17th:
Wednesday, Nov 11
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Turkey vs Croatia
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Belgium vs Switzerland
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Germany vs Czech Republic
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Netherlands vs Spain
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Portugal vs Andorra
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France vs Finland
Thursday, Nov 12
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Wales vs USA
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England vs Ireland Republic
Saturday, Nov 14
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Mexico vs Korea Republic
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Monday, Nov 16
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USA vs Panama
Tuesday, Nov 17
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Japan vs Mexico
Key talking points
Germany vs Czech Republic – will Low's young guns impress ahead of crucial UEFA Nations League showdowns vs Ukraine and Spain?
Germany will be taking on the Czech Republic in a friendly in preparation for their upcoming UEFA Nations League showdowns with Ukraine and Spain. Low's side have not been doing well as of late, drawing four and winning only once in the last five fixtures since September. As a result, they are level on points with Ukraine in their group and trail table-toppers Spain. Gnabry, Sane, Kroos, and Werner are expected to be rested for this friendly. As a result, uncapped players such as Oliver Baumann, Philipp Max, Felix Uduokhai, and Bote Baku – all of whom have been called up – could be given a chance to impress.
Netherlands vs Spain – Le Oranje aiming to get their act back together under new boss De Boer
Netherlands are trying to get their act back together after Ronald Koeman's abrupt departure from the national team to Barcelona. Frank de Boer was brought in as his replacement but things have not begun well as he is yet to win a game three-matches into his reign, losing his debut and drawing in the two subsequent fixtures. On top of that, the Dutch are without world-class center-back Virgil van Dijk who looks destined for a long spell on the sidelines after picking up a serious knee injury in the Premier League. Will De Boer manage to get things right against Spain? Tune in to find out.
Wales vs USA – USMNT's young talents to be tested by the Dragons
Wales and the USA are set to lock horns at the Liberty Stadium. This game could see some of the USMNT's young talents, those who are impressing across Europe's top leagues, take center stage. One of those players is Dortmund talent Giovanni Reyna, who appears all but destined to get his first start for the Stars and Stripes. Barcelona starlet Konrad, who could get more playing time at the Camp Nou after Ansu Fati's unfortunate injury, could also feature in the lineup alongside fellow Blaugrana ace Sergino Dest who has been nothing but impressive for the Catalan giants. Do not miss these youngsters in action.
