It turned out to be a mixed weekend for our boys across the content and for those stationed in South America at the Copa America in Chile which got under way on Thursday.
Here are five things we learned from the weekend’s action…
Work to do for Argentina
Sergio Aguero didn’t take long to demonstrate why he is one of the world’s most clinical strikers at Copa America 2015.
The Premier League’s top scorer pounced on a defensive error 29 minutes into Argentina’s opening game against Paraguay – his fifth in three games for the Albiceleste.
Lionel Messi made it 2-0 from the penalty spot before half-time but, inexplicably, Gerardo Martino’s side contrived to throw the game away, succumbing to a 2-2 draw.
Colombia’s defeat to Venezuela the following day was a clear reminder that this competition is arguably the world’s most competitive international tournament, and should serve as a warning to Argentina ahead of games against Uruguay and Jamaica.
Silva worth his weight in gold
Vincente del Bosque had David Silva to thank for making his 100th game in charge of the Spanish national team an occasion to remember.
David scored the only goal against Belarus at the Borisov Arena to fire La Rojas back within three points of the Group C summit.
No-one in this current Spain squad has scored more international goals than Silva who has now found the back of the net on 23 occasions in 91 games for his country.
It was a fine finish too, with the 29-year old lashing in a volley from a Cesc Fabregas cross on the stroke of half-time.
City and Chelsea combining... who would have thought?
Denayer comes of age despite Belgium defeat
Friday night may not have panned out the way Jason Denayer would have dreamed but the youngster still emerged in credit from Belgium’s 1-0 defeat to Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium.
A newcomer to the senior international stage, making just his second start for Belgium as replacement for the suspended Vincent Kompany, Denayer never hid and repelled Welsh attacks time and time again to give the Red Devils a fighting chance.
They now trail Wales by three points at the top of Group B with four games remaining but at least they have discovered that they can rely upon the young defender on the biggest stages.
Hart’s England go unbeaten throughout 2014/15
For the first time in 24 years, England have gone unbeaten for a whole season following their 3-2 victory over Slovenia.
It was a thrilling match, illuminated by two Jack Wilshere wonder goals and an obstinate Slovenia side who refused to go quietly.
As for Hart, there was little he could have done to prevent Milivoje Novakovic or Nejc Pecnik’s goals and so he can look back on a fine international campaign where he has conceded just five goals in ten matches, keeping six clean sheets.
He did have his hands full with this pitch invader though...
Dzeko’s Bosnia in with a shout
It was a good weekend for Bosnia and Herzegovina as they defeated Israel 3-1 in Zenica.
Edin Dzeko scored his 42nd international goal from the penalty spot to put his side in front for the first time in the game.
Edin Višća netted twice either side of that Dzeko goal to give Bosnia a much-needed victory which puts them back within three points of Belgium who occupy the final automatic qualifying berth.
