Seeing the photos of a topless Jack Grealish standing atop the city team bus, arms outstretched like a drunken imitation of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Serious business of the football season is over.
But in truth, football still goes on. We here at Mail Sport break down the pick of the bunch, the best of games to watch if you just can’t get enough futbol.
And no, we’re not going to mention the England matches, because you already know them.
Nations League semi-finals and final:
Netherlands vs Croatia (7:45 p.m., Wednesday June 14, Viaplay Sports)
Ronald Koeman hopes he can take Oranje further than he did in 2019 against Croatia’s golden age side Zlatko Dalic. It is only their third meeting after the affairs of 198 and 2008, with the two countries each achieving a victory.
Spain vs Croatia (7:45 p.m., Thursday June 15, Viaplay Sports)
Just two games into his tenure, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is under pressure after leaving the Under-21s following Luis Enrique’s resignation in December. The players were reportedly unimpressed with training and a 2-0 loss to Scotland in March did little to help.
Italy have yet to regain the form that saw them win the Euros after eight wins in their last 20 games.
Amid all the speculation over his future in club football, Kylian Mbappe must stay focused
Ronald Koeman hopes to lead the Netherlands to the Nations League final
The Nations League final will be played at 7:45 p.m. on Sunday June 18 in Rotterdam, with the third-place play-off at 2 p.m. the same day in Enschede. Both will be on Viaplay Sports but Channel 4 will also show the final.
Euro 2024 qualifying:
Greece vs Republic of Ireland, Group B (7:45 p.m., Friday June 16, Viaplay Sports)
Ireland are battling to stay within reach of the top two just one game into their campaign. Already six points behind France and three behind Greece and the Netherlands, Stephen Kenny’s men could be cut adrift in this group of five nations early on and nine wins from 32 games under Kenny.
Gibraltar vs France, Group B (7:45 p.m., Friday June 16, Viaplay Sports)
Gibraltar come into this match in good form by their usual standards, with two wins in their last four games. Still, the 201st-ranked team in the world could have their work cut out for them against Europe’s top national team, which includes Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud.
Erling Haaland has been chosen for Norway’s squad ahead of Euro qualifiers
Norway vs Scotland, Group A (5 p.m., Saturday June 17, Viaplay Sports)
Norway coach Stale Solbakken has said Erling Haaland will be ready to play Scotland after his 48-hour party with Manchester City. Scotland will be looking to preserve their 100 per cent record after the first two qualifying games against a side who have picked up just one point so far.
Belgium vs Austria, Group F (7:45 p.m., Saturday June 17, Viaplay Sports)
You have to go back to 1959 for the last time Austria beat Belgium, but with a strong squad they could finally break that hoodoo against a Belgian side missing Kevin de Bruyne through injury.
How many matches could Lionel Messi stay in the Argentina jersey?
Friendly matches :
Argentina vs Australia (1pm, Thursday June 15)
This exhibition match at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing is expected to attract a huge crowd, especially due to the presence of Lionel Messi. After the World Cup, Messi said he was not retiring from international football, but who knows how long he will have left in the famous Albiceleste colors?
Poland vs Germany (7:45 p.m., Friday June 16, Viaplay Sports)
As they host next year’s Euros, Germany don’t need to go through the qualifying stages, so Hansi Flick’s side need to work on their cohesion through friendlies. Given their Germany’s defensive issues, Poland will provide a powerful test, led by the legendary Robert Lewandowski.
Algeria vs Tunisia (8 p.m., Tuesday June 20)
This will be the 49th meeting between the two African heavyweights in a historic rivalry. Their last meeting dates back to the 2021 Arab Cup final in Qatar, where Algeria secured a third consecutive victory against their Mediterranean neighbours.
Club matches to watch
Levante and Deportivo Alaves play the second leg of the La Liga 2 play-off final on Saturday after drawing 0-0 in the first leg. And many leagues are still running, such as MLS, the Argentinian elite, and the unmissable Myanmar National League.