Home of football statistics and historyClub football enthusiasts could sometimes perceive the international break as an unnecessary distraction from the weekly narrative offered by the world’s elite divisions.
Without the lure of a major international tournament, March’s international break may strike fans as an annoyance, especially with most of Europe’s top leagues entering the crunch period.
However, that could not be further from the truth.
With the 2024 European Championship fast approaching, national teams are gearing up for the most prestigious continental tournament.
Plus, 12 nations still have a chance to book their tickets for Germany through the nail-biting qualifying play-offs, adding an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming break.
Without further ado, let’s look at the five must-watch games during March’s international window.
Wales vs Finland – March 21
Wales‘ road to a potentially third consecutive Euros appearance commences with a daunting semi-final tie against Finland at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Despite underperforming for most of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, Rob Page’s men have returned to form just in time for this ‘make or break’ fixture.
The Dragons have gone unbeaten in all six outings since September’s international break kicked off, racking up three wins, including a scintillating 2-1 home triumph against Croatia.
Although the home comforts of Cardiff put them in a decent position to reach the play-offs final, Wales can’t afford to underestimate visiting Finland.
England vs Brazil – March 23
Wembley Stadium sets the stage for a blockbuster friendly between European heavyweights England and South American powerhouse Brazil.
It’s been nearly seven years since the two sides last faced each other, but connoisseurs of action-packed football will hope for a more enthralling contest this time.
The last time England met Brazil was in November 2017.
Gareth Southgate’s managerial tenure was still taking shape, and holding the Selecao to a scoreless draw probably seemed like a step in the right direction.
Plenty has changed since then, with England going into Euro 2024 as the joint favourites to lift the crown.
The Three Lions’ appetites have since elevated to a brand-new level. Perhaps the best-knit squad in international football can no longer settle for a draw, promising a spectacle in London.
France vs Germany – March 23
Speaking of lofty ambitions, France are probably the only European team matching England’s high goals. Despite an infamous 2022 World Cup heartache, Les Bleus head into the summer’s tournament in high spirits.
What better way to prove their continental credentials than beating the Euro 2024 hosts? Given Germany‘s long-standing form woes, it wouldn’t be much of an achievement.
But Didier Deschamps’ side, led by one of the world’s best forwards, Kylian Mbappe, will still be looking to claim bragging rights when familiar foes lock horns on French soil.
England vs Belgium – March 26
One of England’s toughest rehearsals for their Euro 2024 curtain-raising clash against Serbia brings Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium to the shores on March 26.
After a near-flawless qualifying campaign (W6, D2), Southgate’s lads will enter the first international break of 2024 in good spirits, but if there’s any side that could hamper their progress, it’s De Rode Duivels.
Except for a 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory in October 2020, the Three Lions have lost all three remaining encounters against Belgium during Southgate’s regime.
Since both teams had fared well down the final stretch of 2023, this promises to be an enthralling affair.
Germany vs Netherlands – March 26
High scoring has been a common theme in recent showdowns between Germany and the Netherlands, even though both teams have seen better days.
Before a 1-1 draw in a friendly in March 2022, three previous meetings between the two continental giants had featured 4+ goals and both teams on the scoresheet.
That highlights the potential for a ‘goal-friendly’ duel at Eintracht Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park.
However, given Die Mannschaft’s underwhelming three-game winless run, head coach Julian Nagelsmann may prefer a more conservative approach as he hopes to boost his side’s spirits before the tournament.
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