It has been a huge weekend of soccer news. The international break produced a 7-0 thrashing, an injury scare for one of the world's best strikers and an ugly row in Dublin, while the Women's Super League served up a thriller in Manchester. Here is everything you need to know — and what it means if you are betting this week. Every story links to the original report.
International football
England put seven past Croatia
Saturday's Croatia 0-7 England was the result of the weekend. England led 4-0 at half-time, and the reaction has been glowing. The Guardian says it is time to stop doubting Thomas Tuchel and names Euro 2028 as the target. BBC Sport says Jude Bellingham has unlocked a new level and has the potential to be "one of the greatest". For Croatia, Luka Modrić said he was "ashamed" of a "catastrophic night".
The Guardian's Barney Ronay picked out Bellingham too, but used his column to argue that UEFA is sending the wrong message on racism.
The Ronaldo question
Is Cristiano Ronaldo coming back? According to BBC Sport, the Portugal boss says the door is open for his return, and Sky Sports' look at the morning papers leads on Ronaldo making a Portugal return. Portugal hardly look like they need help right now: they won 4-2 in Denmark and then beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday.
Haaland limps off
The worrying news from that Portugal win was for Norway — and for Manchester City. The Guardian's Nations League roundup reports that Erling Haaland limped off during the 2-1 defeat. There was no update on the extent of the problem at the time of writing, but it is one to watch before club football returns.
Ireland v Israel: "No other team should go through this"
The Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Israel in Dublin was overshadowed by events around it. Sky Sports has the match report; The Guardian calls it a bad-tempered draw and reports that Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson wants UEFA to keep the two sides apart in future. Speaking to BBC Sport, Hallgrímsson said Israel "tried to intimidate" the Irish amid a spitting row, and that "no other team should go through this".
Wales undone by a Ward error
Wales went from a come-from-behind 2-1 win over ten-man Norway on Thursday to a 1-0 home defeat by Denmark on Sunday. Sky Sports reports that a Rasmus Højlund penalty settled it, describing the result as a third Nations League defeat in four; The Guardian says Højlund made Danny Ward pay for a blunder. Afterwards, according to BBC Sport, Craig Bellamy criticised the new schedule.
Scotland start a new era with a win
Scotland won 2-0 in North Macedonia on Saturday, a result BBC Sport framed as a good night for a new Scotland era. BBC Sport also reports that Bowie is seizing his Scotland chance after World Cup disappointment. Slovenia are next, on Tuesday.
Women's football
Manchester City beat Arsenal to keep a perfect start
Manchester City came from behind to beat Arsenal in the Women's Super League, with The Guardian reporting that Shaw sealed a thrilling win that keeps City's 100% start intact. Hemp told BBC Sport "we fought for every ball".
For Arsenal, the defeat leaves them 10 points off the WSL leaders, and BBC Sport asks whether head coach Renée Slegers' job is at risk. Slegers herself told Sky Sports that Arsenal are not in the title conversation and that the club needs a review.
Pina scores four as Barcelona hit Real Madrid for seven
In Spain, Barcelona scored seven goals against Real Madrid, with Clàudia Pina scoring four, according to The Guardian.
Transfer talk
It is early October, but the gossip columns never stop. BBC Sport's Monday gossip reports that Real Madrid have joined the race for Scott, while Sky Sports' Chelsea live blog says the Blues are at the front of the queue for a Bournemouth midfielder. As always with gossip, treat it as speculation until a club confirms anything.
Around the game
- Azpilicueta needs a break. César Azpilicueta told BBC Sport that he "clawed my way to the top" but needs a break.
- Bradford's promotion push. The Guardian looks at how Graham Alexander's absence weighs heavy as Bradford try to keep their League One promotion push on track.
- Jesse Marsch speaks out. The Guardian has a wide-ranging interview with the Canada coach. His side beat Peru 2-0 on Saturday and face the USA on Tuesday.
- Raheem Sterling. The Guardian asks who will believe in Sterling now.
What it means for bettors
A few things from this weekend's news are worth carrying into your betting this week:
- England and Spain are flying. Both scored early and often on Saturday. Our model rates England v Czechia and Croatia v Spain at 80% and 79% for a first-half goal on Tuesday — two of the strongest spots of the break. See the full predictions.
- Watch the team news on Haaland. If he misses time, Manchester City's goal numbers and any Haaland scorer markets need a rethink when club football returns.
- Second games are tighter. Sunday's eight Nations League games produced 13 goals against 21 on Thursday, played mostly by the same teams. We break that down in our international break review.
- Manchester City's WSL form is real. A 100% start and a win over Arsenal from behind suggest a team that keeps going for 90 minutes.
News items summarise and link to reporting by BBC Sport, Sky Sports and The Guardian; all quotes are as reported by those outlets. Scores from The Soccer Expert database.