100% passing, 100% duels, 1 goal, 1 assist: Spurs ace was unreal for his country
After Tottenham’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton a week and a half ago, Ange Postecoglou likely welcomed the international break as a chance to reset. But now that it’s over, there’s a sense of relief as players return to club duties.
The break wasn’t without its own share of excitement, particularly with plenty of action from the England camp. It’s not often we see this much drama outside of major tournaments, but the Three Lions’ surprise loss to Greece, and without Harry Kane, added some unexpected twists.
Interim manager Lee Carsley, who didn’t want the role permanently, is set to be replaced by German coach Thomas Tuchel. This change brings its own set of questions, especially for Tottenham players like star striker Dominic Solanke, who will aim to earn a spot under Tuchel’s leadership.
Solanke made a brief appearance during England’s defeat to Greece, coming off the bench but unable to influence the game. Paired with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Solanke will be eager to make a bigger impact in future opportunities for his national side.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s squad came through the international break relatively unscathed, aside from a minor knock to Brennan Johnson in Wales’ 2-2 draw with Iceland.
Johnson did manage to score in that match, bringing his total to seven goals in his last seven appearances for both club and country. His recent form has been impressive, and Spurs will hope he can carry this momentum forward as domestic play resumes.
Another standout performance during the international break came from right-back Pedro Porro. Filling in for the injured Dani Carvajal, Porro delivered a commanding display in Spain’s 3-0 victory over Serbia.
He was highly influential throughout the match, registering a remarkable 114 touches, making six key passes, and winning five of his seven duels. His performance was dominant, as no other player on the pitch had more touches or key passes, marking an excellent night for the Spurs defender.
On the other hand, Micky van de Ven had a more challenging time during the international fixtures. The Dutch defender struggled in the Netherlands’ 1-0 defeat to Germany, with his failed clearance leading to the match’s only goal.
Dutch media, including former Spurs star Rafael van der Vaart, were critical of van de Ven’s performance. Van der Vaart noted, “Micky van de Ven… it’s all well and good, but he ain’t no Virgil van Dijk, of course we miss him.”
While van de Ven may not have enjoyed the best break, another Tottenham player had a more fruitful time. Dane Scarlett, once seen as a future heir to Harry Kane’s throne, enjoyed a stellar performance for England’s U21 side.
Though his recent loan spells haven’t gone according to plan, Scarlett took full advantage of his opportunity in England U21’s 7-0 demolition of Azerbaijan.
Now 20 years old, Scarlett has struggled to replicate his early success at the club’s youth level, where he scored 23 goals in 23 matches for Tottenham’s U18s.
He’s had a few less successful loan spells, including stints at Portsmouth and Ipswich, and currently finds himself without a goal in six appearances on loan at Championship club Oxford United this season. However, his performance for England U21s could be the spark he needs to reignite his career.
In just 30 minutes off the bench, Scarlett not only found the back of the net but also provided an assist, showcasing his potential in a commanding win for England. His performance was nearly flawless, as he completed 100% of his passes and won his one-on-one duel. Though the quality of the opposition must be considered, Scarlett’s ability to step up on the international stage was encouraging.
Dane Scarlett’s Stats for England U21 vs Azerbaijan U21
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 30 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Shots | 2 |
| Dribble attempts | 1/1 |
| Touches | 8 |
| Accurate passes | 2/2 (100%) |
| Duels won | 1/1 |
Scarlett’s contribution, despite limited minutes, was a reminder of the potential that made him one of Tottenham’s most exciting prospects. As he returns to Oxford United, both Spurs and their fans will hope to see him rediscover his form and continue to grow as a player.
For Postecoglou, the return of his players from international duty will provide some much-needed reinforcement as Tottenham looks to regain their early-season form.
With key players like Johnson, Porro, and potentially Scarlett in good shape, the club will aim to bounce back from their defeat to Brighton and push on in their pursuit of success.
The international break has offered a mixed bag for Tottenham players, but the focus now shifts back to the Premier League. With some players returning in top form, and others eager to prove themselves, the upcoming matches will be crucial as Spurs look to climb the league table.
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