The Premier League may be on hold for now, but there’s certainly no shortage of intrigue for England during the international break.
Thomas Tuchel’s side return to action this week for the first time since reaching the World Cup semi-finals with a packed four-match window, starting with a mouth-watering encounter with world champions Spain at Wembley.
The England boss has also had to shuffle his pack of the the original team he appointedwith Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Tino Livramento withdrew through injury.
James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White have been selected, while several members of the squad have a golden opportunity to make their mark.
Here are five names worth keeping a special eye on in the coming weeks.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Few English players generate as much conversation and intrigue as Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Real Madrid star has returned to the international scene after being left out of England’s World Cup squad, with Tuchel impressed by his performances in Spain at the start of the season.
Now comes the hard part: making this souvenir a regular fixture on the team.
Alexander-Arnold offers something few defenders can match with his range of passing and ability to dictate play from deep.
With four games on the schedule, he should have plenty of opportunities to remind Tuchel exactly what he can do.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Gibbs-White was not initially part of Tuchel’s squad, but Cole Palmer’s injury has opened the door for the Nottingham Forest midfielder.
The timing couldn’t be better for Gibbs-White, who has started the season in excellent form and already has six England caps under his belt.
His ability to carry the ball, create chances and operate between the lines gives Tuchel an interesting option in an attacking midfield role.
Having received a late reprieve, Gibbs-White will be desperate to ensure this is more than a short-term call-up.
Ngumoha River
At just 18 years old, Rio Ngumoha is one of the most exciting prospects in the English national team.
The Liverpool winger has already tasted senior international football but this could be a much bigger chance to prove to Tuchel that he can be trusted at the highest level.
Ngumoha plays with the kind of grit that can make young forwards so dangerous. Tuchel has previously praised his courage and adventurous approach, and England fans will be hoping to see plenty of that.
Four games in a single international window could offer the teenager a valuable opportunity to gain experience alongside England’s established stars.
Alex Scott
Alex Scott’s call-up is reward for a very impressive start to the season with Bournemouth.
Tuchel singled out the midfielder when explaining his squad selection, highlighting Scott’s performances in the Premier League.
The timing is particularly interesting given the absences of Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo. Scott now has the chance to prove he can cope with the demands of international football and compete for a place in an increasingly competitive midfield.
The 22-year-old is still awaiting his senior England debut, so these could be a defining few weeks in his development.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite has been patiently waiting for another chance in an England shirt, and now he has one.
The Everton centre-back has just one senior cap to his name but his physical attributes have long made him an intriguing option for the Three Lions.
Branthwaite combines considerable size with pace and the ability to play from the back, qualities that Tuchel clearly values.
With four games to go and a number of players unavailable, the 24-year-old has a chance to make a serious impression and strengthen his case for a more permanent role in the squad.
England international break games
England’s first test comes against Spain at Wembley on Saturday 26 September, before Tuchel’s side travel to Prague to face the Czech Republic four days later.
Croatia await in Rijeka on October 3, with England hosting the Czech Republic at Wembley on October 7.