The international break brings more than just a return to international football, with history, new faces and major storylines set to take centre stage.
Harry Kane is on the verge of becoming England‘s most-capped player, Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence leaves Portugal with a huge void to fill, and Scotland captain Andy Robertson is closing in on a landmark of his own.
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Elsewhere,France‘s latest rising star earns his first senior call-up, while Greece look to continue their encouraging progress. Here are five things to look out for during the Nations League action.
Harry Kane set to break England appearance record
Harry Kane will make history when he leads England out against Croatia on Thursday evening. The Bayern Munich forward will win his 126th cap for the Three Lions, taking the outright record for most England appearances. Kane equalled Peter Shilton’s mark during the previous break, and will now be celebrated in front of a packed Wembley crowd.
Kane’s recent success at theBallon d’Or will also be celebrated, after the 33-year-old became the first Englishman in 25 years to be crowned football’s finest. A special night, for a special footballer.
First France call for Eli Kroupi Junior
Marcus Thuram’s withdrawal from the France squad has handedEli Kroupi Junior a maiden call-up. The 20-year-old links up with Zinedine Zidane’s squad for the first time, ahead of fixtures with Italy and Türkiye.
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Kroupi Junior turned down advances from Portugal in favour of France, despite the obvious competition from forwards including Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
After scoring the highest number of goals scored by any teenager in a debut season in Premier League history (13) last season, Kroupi is ready to test himself at the top level. He follows Bournemouth teammate Adrien Truffert into the France squad, a testament to the Cherries’ talent ID.
Greece growth to continue?
When Greece won the 2004 European Championship, it was one of football’s greatest-ever shocks. An unfancied side turned the tournament on its head, securing the biggest success in the country’s football history.
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Greece’s tournament record ever since has been poor. One quarter-final in the last 22 years, and they’ve failed to qualify for the last six major tournaments. However, optimism is building. A talented young side are making an impression and they head into this month’s break unbeaten in four Nations League games, despite a tough group featuring Germany, the Netherlands and Serbia.
They’ve already won on the road in Germany and Serbia, ahead of facing the Dutch in Amsterdam. The home fixture saw Greece lead 2-0 before ending all square, and an evolving side will want revenge.
How do Portugal replace Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo recently dropped the bombshell of his international retirement, calling time on his Portugal career. Ronaldo retires after a fallout with Jorge Jesus in the previous camp, over his reduced role in the side.
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The 41-year-old set records for international goals (146) and caps (234) across an international career that spanned 23 years.
Portugal now face the unenviable task of replacing him. Goncalo Ramos looks the likeliest candidate, though Serie A surprise package Gustavo Varela has earned a first call-up.
Scotland skipper Robertson to match King Kenny
In perhaps trademark Andy Robertson fashion, the Scotland captain has been keen to talk down his upcoming achievement.
On Friday night, Robertson will make his 102nd appearance for Scotland, equalling Kenny Dalglish’s appearance record that has stood for four decades.
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It’s a magnificent feat for Robertson, whose well-documented route to the top included part-time football at Queens Park and shifts working in the ticket office at Hampden Park. Now, at the same venue, he’ll make Scotland history.