Belgium
An underwhelming quarter-final exit at Euro 2020 has left a bitter taste in the Belgian’s mouths as they look to respond against lowly Estonia on Thursday.
Bottom and pointless after their opening two World Cup Qualification Group E fixtures, the Estonians are unlikely to put enough resistance against star-studded Roberto Martinez’s side.
The Czech Republic and Belarus could prove more challenging opponents, but Belgium seem likely to negotiate their third World Cup qualifying campaign in a row.
Even without Manchester City star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, the Red Devils should make light work of their international fixtures this month.
Italy
Fresh from conquering Euro 2020, Italy return to international action in September, as they meet Bulgaria, Switzerland and Lithuania in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Gli Azzurri have hit the ground running under current boss Roberto Mancini and are enjoying a 34-match unbeaten streak.
The Italians have won each of their inaugural three qualifying fixtures by the identical 2-0 scoreline and are hot favourties to maintain a perfect start to their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Unless some unexpected developments over the next fortnight, Italy’s form trajectory should remain on the upward curve.
France
As a top-seeded team in Group D, France will seek redemption for a nightmarish Euro 2020 last-16 exit to outsider Switzerland.
A demoralising loss to the Swiss side threatens to undermine Les Bleus’ attempts to reach their seventh consecutive World Cup finals.
But Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ukraine and Finland should be powerless against Didier Deschamps’ team, especially after France’s back-to-back wins without reply in the ongoing qualifying campaign.
The reigning world champions will have the opportunity to prove to the world there are no altercations in the dressing room on Thursday against Bosnia on home soil.
Since they are already atop Group D, Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe and co should be under no pressure against the Bosnians at the Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg.
Germany
Hans-Dieter Flick’s German debut pits his side against European minnows Liechtenstein at Kybunpark on Thursday.
The new manager will be looking to get the Germans’ World Cup qualifying campaign back on track following a horrendous 2-1 home defeat to North Macedonia last time out.
An unexpected reverse at Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena should prove to be a minor setback in Germany’s efforts to maintain their 100% World Cup qualification record.
Die Mannschaft have reached the World Cup tournament whenever they were eligible since 1934, so a potential failure in the ongoing qualifying series would represent a disaster of epic proportions.
Luckily for Germany, they will take on low-ranked opponents in the shape of Armenia and Iceland in their subsequent two qualifying duels this month.
Spain
Iberian giants Spain proved their doubters wrong at Euro 2020, reaching the competition’s semi-finals at long odds despite missing some key components, including long-serving stalwart Sergio Ramos.
La Furia Roja replied to a 1-1 home draw against Greece on Matchday 1 with back-to-back wins ‘to one’ as they sit atop Group B ahead of their trip to Sweden on Wednesday.
A game at Friends Arena will be Spain’s toughest challenge in September, given they should have no problems overcoming Georgia and Kosovo in their remaining two matches during this international window.
Luis Enrique’s men are hot favourites to beat Sweden as they managed to prevent the Nordic team from producing a single shot on target in their most recent competitive encounter.
Notably, the Spaniards have found the net in 38 consecutive World Cup qualifiers, giving their fans plenty of reason to look forward to their upcoming three fixtures.
