It was the World Cup that was surrounded by controversy for bribery, migrant labour and its shake-up of the domestic European season, but always seemed so far away.
But now the Qatar World Cup is upon us in just two months, and although there will be a chance for squads to meet up and train before the tournament, this latest international break represented the last opportunity for teams to play matches beforehand.
This was no exception for England, who were up against Italy and Germany and were looking to avoid Nations League relegation.
But that was merely an afterthought with the team looking to end a run of four games without a win to give them confidence going into the World Cup.
On Friday, the story was again of English frustration in defeat to Italy, a result that confirmed their relegation. Some within the camp remained upbeat, with Gareth Southgate citing an improved performance, but many fans were still unconvinced.
Then, a rollercoaster of a game followed against Germany where after a quiet first half, the game burst into life; things looked bad again for England when they went 2-0 down, but then three goals in 12 minutes propelled them into the lead.
They couldn’t hold on for the win, but at least the game produced some positivity around the Three Lions camp.
With less than two months until the tournament, though, the incomplete performances mean that there are still selection issues for Southgate to solve.
Here’s our look, then, at the situation of some players leading the country’s hopes for glory.
The Certain Starters
Harry Kane
Despite some of the other big names England have, captain Kane unquestionably remains the country’s most important player.
His record speaks for itself – his goal against Germany was his 51st in internationals, which puts him only two behind the England record. As one of the leading strikers in world football, a loss of form or an injury to him would severely hamper England’s hopes.
Raheem Sterling
While Kane is still the biggest name, England’s current most-capped player Sterling has become an automatic pick on either the left or right wing.
After going 27 games without an international goal, Sterling has found a game-changing role in Southgate’s side and has now scored 17 in his last 34; a run that made sure he was included in the Euro 2020 team of the tournament.
Declan Rice
A certain starter in midfield, West Ham captain Declan Rice is one of England’s most consistent performers.
He’s broken onto the scene quickly since his debut in 2019, and at the age of 23 already has 34 caps. Should he keep his form, there should be many more to come.
Jude Bellingham
If there’s one player who really profited from this international break, it was 19-year-old Jude Bellingham.
Unlike the majority of England players who play in the Premier League, Bellingham moved to German club Borussia Dortmund and has developed into one of the world’s brightest young stars.
He’s been a regular squad member ever since making his debut when only 17, but it was this international break that saw him at his most prominent as he started twice in central midfield. Impressive in both matches, he should now be confident of his place.
Jordan Pickford
Everton keeper Jordan Pickford has been England’s number one goalkeeper ever since the 2018 World Cup and is one of Southgate’s most trusted players.
During that time, there have been difficult moments at club level leading some to question his place, but not the England manager who has continued to keep faith.
This season, his Everton form has been much better, and so if fit (he missed this international break through injury) then he’s almost certainly secured a starting spot.
Those Definitely in the Squad
Phil Foden
Although not a certain starter, Manchester City’s Foden will definitely feature in Qatar.
One of the best passers and dribblers in the game today, Foden is a skilful midfielder and started both matches this international break.
Although he didn’t make much impact this time, his quality means that even if he doesn’t start, he will be one of the first people Southgate will consider off the bench.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka’s performance against Germany might have gone a long way to securing himself a starting spot.
Against Italy, he started in an awkward left wing-back role and had a quiet night. When introduced after 66 minutes against Germany, though, he was a big part of the comeback as he was involved in the first goal and set up the second. Still only 21, we could be seeing him in England colours for many years.
Jordan Henderson
As a squad player, Liverpool captain Henderson is as influential as anyone.
Henderson has been the backbone of the Reds’ recent Champions League and Premier League-winning teams and has continued to be picked for England.
Now 32 years old, his role tends to be from the bench later in games but he’s nonetheless important, and this will be his sixth major tournament which is the most among the squad.
Kyle Walker
Another player highly valued by Southgate, Kyle Walker is a versatile defensive option.
He’s been a big part of Manchester City’s dominance of the English game since his switch in 2017, and has been reliable for England throughout that time too.
Walker’s also a very useful fit if Southgate decides to continue using a three-at-the-back system, so his place in the squad cannot be questioned.
Those at Risk
Harry Maguire
A regular since the 2018 World Cup and one of Southgate’s most trusted players, Harry Maguire’s stock was at its highest last summer when he was named in the Euro 2020 team of the tournament.
Since then, though, he’s had a torrid time.
Legal issues, poor form and supposed clashes for the captaincy at Manchester United have left his selection as one of the big debates of this international break.
Southgate, perhaps in an attempt to restore Maguire’s confidence, played him in all 180 minutes, but after being at fault for two goals against Germany, the manager and player must wonder if he will still be in the side, or even squad, if he cannot get back to his best soon.
Southgate says he is willing to stake his "reputation" on Maguire, describing him as one of England's "best" and "most important" playershttps://t.co/FpR0XWbwzE
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) September 22, 2022
Trent Alexander-Arnold
For many England fans, Trent Alexander-Arnold would be straight in their team.
In the great Liverpool team of the last few years, Alexander-Arnold has been one of their biggest stars and has notched up tonnes of assists from his right-back position.
Yet while his attacking quality is undisputed, there have been question marks over his defending, and this week Southgate stated Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier is ahead of him because “his all-round game is ahead.”
Trippier didn’t play a minute in either match, so what does that say?
Reece James, Kyle Walker and Trippier all seem to be ahead of Alexander-Arnold, meaning one of the country’s most popular players may face a fight just to make the tournament.
Late Selection Contenders
Marcus Rashford
This time last year, Marcus Rashford was a certainty.
However, a lot can change in 12 months and a loss of form meant he was regularly left on the bench for Manchester United last season and then omitted from the England set-up.
Now though, there’s renewed hope as he has looked rejuvenated under new United manager Eric Ten Hag.
He’s proved he can do it at international level before, and an in-form Rashford is always dangerous, so if he can keep up the good start, he may well find himself in the squad.
Jadon Sancho
Similar to Rashford, Sancho’s chances for Qatar rest entirely on performing for United in the coming months.
Having only shown glimpses of the young star that he is last season, Sancho has looked back to his best in 2022-23, meaning that a continuation of his goalscoring form could push the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Ivan Toney out of the squad.
Ben White
Ben White’s exclusion from this squad was another hotly-debated call.
White has featured regularly for Arsenal in the last two seasons, and fits into the mold of versatile players Southgate seems to like.
He was, however, left out though of the most recent squad as Marc Guehi, Conor Coady and Fikayo Tomori were preferred but didn’t play any minutes.
With England’s defence still not decided, he could sneak into the squad should he continue his good form.
The next time we see England in action, it will be on 21 November against Iran in their first match of the World Cup.
Despite the recent poor run, England are still going into the tournament with the aim of winning the competition.
Can they do it? Only time and results will tell…
Feature Image Credit: Channel 4 Sport YouTube