All English eyes will now be on when the Premier Laeague returns after the Three Lions were knocked out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Gareth Southgate steered his team to the quarter-finals, but that is where the dream ended, with France knocking England out with a 2-1 win.
It could all have been different had Harry kane scored a second penalty in the last-eight clash with the French, but the Tottenham man blazed high over the bar, having already scored one from the spot earlier in the match. That means England are heading home, with Argentina, Croatia, France and Morocco making up the final four.
There are still a fair number of Premier League players out in Qatar, but many have now left the tournament and will be returning home. And they will be required to get back into the swing of domestic football quickly.
READ MORE: Harry Kane equals Wayne Rooney record as England all-time top scorer during World Cup
Many supporters will be itching for the return of the Premier League, given Arsenalsit proudly at the top of the pile. Tottenham are in the top four as the top flight gets ready to return, while Chelsea under Graham Potter will be looking to improve their chances.
Not to mention we have the opening of the January transfer window, and it's going to be a busy time in the Premier League. But when does it return?
The 2022 final is set to be played at the Lusail Stadium in Doha a week before Christmas on Sunday, December 18, with the semi-finals this coming week on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Premier League then has a sharpish turnaround, with fixtures scheduled for Boxing Day, as is tradition in this country.
Key dates:
December 13/14: World Cup semi-finals
December 18: World Cup final
December 26: Premier League resumes
READ NEXT:
Ben White returns to Arsenal training ahead of AC Milan clash after England World Cup squad exit
Why Arsenal and England hero Bukayo Saka should win 2022 Fans' Footballer of the Year award
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea transfer: Todd Boehly boost, bid rejected, dropped by Portugal
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
