Football news: International break analysis - How Chelsea stars are performing for their countries
The international break is always a burden to the average football fan; the pent up excitement of the new season built throughout the summer, interrupted within what feels like a second.
But fear not Chelsea fans - there is a silver lining in all of this.
Nine players were called up to represent their country for these World Cup qualifiers and it is safe to say that they did SW6 proud.
Whilst the colour of kit may have changed, the passion and quality shown throughout the start of their unbeaten campaign has not.
From the rainy streets of West London to the unfathomable heights in Bolivia, Sports News Blitz writer Sarim Ahmed is here to document how the Chelsea boys are doing in the international break.
Brazil (Estêvão, João Pedro, Andrey Santos)
Chelsea have always been fond of their Brazilians - a club home to the likes of Oscar, Pato and Willian - it is no surprise to see that continuing influence.
The brand new Brazilian boys are following in good stead, with all three playing a part in a 3-0 victory over Chile.
Santos made a subdued cameo off the bench and Pedro held his own up front (despite vomiting after a clash with team-mate Martinelli).
But it was the wonderkid who stole the show.
Estêvão’s performance included three of five ground duels won, four shots taken and his first ever goal for the national team - and what a goal it was.
An acrobatic bicycle kick by the 18-year-old saw him become his nation's eighth youngest ever scorer.
Granted, the ball was practically on the line, but the audacity to even attempt that is a good sign of confidence Chelsea fans will be hoping he brings back to the Bridge.
The trio travel to Bolivia next before returning to their club duties.
Arguably, this is the toughest international stadium to travel to with the altitude 13,392 feet above sea level.
Fellow countryman Neymar described the conditions as “inhumane” in 2017, with visitors even having to use oxygen masks during their time there.
Enzo Maresca will hope that his boys come back in perfect condition for their clash against Brentford this upcoming weekend.
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England (Reece James)
Skipper Reece James was the only Chelsea player to be named in England’s squad for this set of qualifiers after Cole Palmer suffered an injury in the warm-up against West Ham in gameweek two.
But transitioning from playing for the blue lion to the Three Lions was as smooth as ever for the full-back.
He did it all - kept a clean sheet, won 100% of his tackles, 80% of his ground duels, created two big chances including an assist for Declan Rice.
It was vintage James; a beautiful ball into the box - a cross so inviting, it would have been rude to not nod it in.
England boss Thomas Tuchel, who coached James at Chelsea during their 2021 Champions League triumph, will be thankful for a performance as stellar as his.
Full-back was always an overcrowded position for the Three Lions, but with Kyle Walker now at newly-promoted Burnley and Trent Alexander-Arnold struggling to get consistent game time in Madrid, James will be hoping to bring the debate for who’s best suited to the position to an end and cement his spot for the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal (Pedro Neto)
In a game which saw others steal the headlines, Neto silently played his part in the 45 minutes he was given.
The pacey Portuguese forward didn’t produce his most prolific football but he did manage to contribute to his country’s 5-0 thumping of Armenia.
A delicate ball over the top to the sport’s highest scorer was enough to earn Neto an assist in the game.
He will be hoping for a longer run of minutes against Hungary.
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Spain (Marc Cucurella)
It seems to be Marc Cucurella’s world and we are just living in it.
Game after game over the past year, the Spaniard just seems to get better and better. The louder the boos, the louder his football does the talking.
Cucurella played 180 minutes across both qualifiers in this international period, keeping clean sheets in both of them.
Additionally he gained 13 defensive contributions throughout the qualifiers and created the most chances (two) in Spain’s 3-0 win against Bulgaria.
A man who knows how to rattle his opponents, he also managed to rattle the net for the first time in his international career after blasting the ball home from inside the box against Bulgaria.
After having his best scoring season last year with seven goals, it seems Cucurella is hungry for more.
Chelsea fans will want their left-back to keep this streak going, emulating the likes of Marcos Alonso - another Spanish full-back who certainly knew how to find the net.
Other players
Malo Gusto was called up for France but only saw minutes in stoppage time during France’s win over Ukraine.
Filip Jörgensen is once again playing understudy - this time to Kasper Schmeichel. The Dane will be hoping he adds to his singular appearance for his country.
Moises Caicedo was called up but didn't feature in Ecuador's squad that faced Paraguay.
Perhaps he’s being saved for their clash against current world champions Argentina on Wednesday but Chelsea fans will be hoping their star man gets as much rest as possible.
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