England rounded off a year to remember by progressing to the inaugural Nations League finals with a stirring comeback against World Cup semi-final foes, Croatia.

Here was one of Jose Mourinho’s finest Manchester United hours, certainly of this season, and one that could have far-reaching implications for his club, and perhaps, England.

Yeah, just stop the football for a fortnight. It’s not like we’re playing like kings or anything… An international break this early is all manner of wrong. You’re frustrated either way; good run interrupted, stew on a bad result for two weeks.