The Premier League has taken its last break of the season before what promises to be a grandstand finish. Several British clubs north and south of the Scottish border continue to dream of European glory, the FA Cup is down its final four, and Liverpool and Manchester City will continue to go blow for blow in the title race.
In the meantime, there is also the small matter of the 2022 FIFA World Cup looming large on the horizon. Italy and Portugal are among the nations still fighting for their spot at this year's tournament. Liverpool's Mo Salah's Egypt and Sadio Mane's Senegal, a month and a half on from facing one another in the African Cup Of Nations final, will also square off once again in a World Cup play-off.
For others who have already qualified, England included, the international break represents an opportunity to find the winning formula. Gareth Southgate, whose side takes on Switzerland and Ivory Coast, will be hoping to go one step further than their appearance at EURO 2020.
