Before this set of friendlies, we can focus on Russia 2018 contenders, dark horses – and England – but also the desperate need for a successful tournament
As the friendly international spring break descends upon the season like a dose of Sunday afternoon blues, it has become a reflex response among those watching to sigh a little, to count the days, to see this severance from the teat of club football excitement as a draught of cold water, another unwelcome interruption from the dying hand of international football.
Related: How absurd to boycott World Cup when Russia is so bound up in our economy | Barney Ronay
Related: I’ve followed England around the world, but Russia is too risky | Philip Cornwall
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