Europe’s national team soccer made a thrilling return this past week, with standout performances from Cristiano Ronaldo, Lee Carsley, and the Georgian national team. The Nations League games provided plenty of excitement, drama, and key takeaways for fans and analysts alike.
Ronaldo Shines
Cristiano Ronaldo once again stole the spotlight, scoring crucial goals against Croatia and Scotland. Despite starting on the bench against Scotland, Ronaldo came on as a halftime substitute and changed the game, proving his enduring value to the Portuguese national team. With his international goal tally now at 132, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down and may even make it to the 2026 World Cup.
Carsley’s Chance
Lee Carsley, initially an interim coach for England, made a strong case for a permanent position. Leading England to 2-0 victories over Ireland and Finland, Carsley demonstrated tactical acumen and made bold choices, such as selecting young midfielder Angel Gomes. His assured performances in pre- and post-match conferences further solidified his candidacy.
The international break was tough on some of England’s top clubs. Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, suffered an ankle injury, putting him in doubt for upcoming crucial fixtures. Manchester City’s Nathan Ake was carried off on a stretcher with a serious muscle injury while playing for the Netherlands. These injuries could impact their respective clubs’ performances in the congested domestic calendar ahead.
