Firmino, Fabinho, Henderson, and Alexander-Arnold Wrap Up International Duties

I think we can officially call international break “over.” And (knocks on all the wood), it appears as if our players have made it through unscathed. (Though, no word on whether Naby Keita picked up a muscle strain after, I don’t know, walking down the stairs or taking out the garbage).

As is often the case because of damned time differences (curse you, round Earth!), Brazil wrapped up the international break with a friendly in Los Angeles against Peru. Roberto Firmino started the match, but was hooked after an hour. Fabinho came on shortly thereafter for a half an hour. The 2019 Copa America Final rematch was scoreless when Bobby came off, but the match ended with a surprise 1-0 win for Peru.

England, on the other hand, played their part in a goalfest that saw them keep their top spot in Group A of Euro 2020 qualification. Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold each played the full 90 minutes at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton. Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were each unused subs. The match against Kosovo ended 5-3 with a goal and 3 assists for Raheem Sterling. Jadon Sancho added two goals, and Harry Kane also scored, though he missed a penalty which would have added a sixth.

Anyway, glad that’s over with. Hopefully Firmino and Fabinho can get back quickly, and shake off that jet lag in time to play a part in the early match against Newcastle on Saturday.