Why is the international break three weeks long?

England and their fellow international sides are preparing for a three-week international break as the Nations League kicks off in late September.

Traditionally, an international break lasts two weeks, with teams playing two matches, but Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions face an extended spell together with four Nations League fixtures in the pipeline. These games will take place between September 21 and October 9.

The following round of international fixtures will be in November when England close out their Nations League campaign with their remaining two matches against Croatia at home and Spain away.

Effectively, this means the regular October international break is no more, at least not for the next few years. The new international schedule is set to remain in place until at least 2030.

Back in action: England

PA Wire

As to why the international break extends to three weeks with four fixtures being squeezed in, it has been reported that the move was, in part, down to the late finish of the World Cup in the summer. The tournament - which also featured an extended format - did not conclude until July 19.

The previous World Cup in Qatar was played mid-season leaving players ample recovery time during the summer. Player welfare has now become a primary concern amongst medical staff in the modern era. One break instead of two means international travel time will be cut going forward.

England get their Nations League campaign underway with a highly anticipated fixture against the World Cup winners on September 26 at Wembley Stadium. The Three Lions then face two successive away games.

The first is against Czechia on September 29, before renewing rivalries with Croatia on Saturday, October 3. Tuchel’s men then finish up the international break with their reverse encounter with Czechia on Tuesday, October 6.