International football can quickly expose weaknesses. While some players and teams emerge from a window with their reputations enhanced, others leave with difficult questions to answer.
For some, this fortnight exposed why there is more work that needs to be done, while for others, it exposed difficult questions about form, selection and the next stage of their development.
Striver.Football looks into the six biggest losers of the September-October 2026 international fixtures who will be desperate to slam the book on this window and turn back to club football.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal Future Takes a Dramatic Turn
The memes have provided plenty of entertainment, but the acrimonious dispute has put Ronaldo's international future under fresh scrutiny.
Ronaldo's continued pursuit of 1,000 career goals has become part of the debate around his role for Portugal, while Jorge Jesus' management of his minutes has brought the issue into sharper focus.
Ronaldo's account of the dispute included an eight-point document outlining what he said had been agreed with Jesus, further escalating an already public disagreement.
The dispute has instead raised questions about the balance between Ronaldo's influence and the authority of Jesus as Portugal's head coach.
Croatia's Golden Generation Shows Signs of Ageing
It is a painful sporting truth that time catches up with everyone. Watching England put seven past Croatia, days after Spain beat them 4-1, raised serious questions about the future of the team.
At 41, Luka Modrić faced an increasingly athletic England midfield featuring Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson, while Ivan Perisic and Mateo Kovacic struggled to make an impact.
While Croatia’s brilliant talent factory will undoubtedly bounce back by the next decade, this international break exposed a brutal generational cliff.
Declan Rice Faces New Competition for England's Midfield
It feels harsh to label an elite midfielder a loser, but the tactical winds of change are blowing. Rice remains a key England midfielder, but Alex Scott's emergence has given Thomas Tuchel another profile to consider in central midfield.
By contrast, Alex Scott’s dynamic, progressive display against Croatia—where he constantly turned and attacked space—offered a tantalising glimpse of a faster, more fluid English midfield future that does not strictly require Rice's safety-first anchor.
Cole Palmer Risks Falling Behind in England's New Attack
Palmer withdrew from the England squad because of a muscle injury, with the decision subsequently drawing criticism from Thomas Tuchel.
Publicly criticised by Thomas Tuchel, Palmer then watched England's attack produce two emphatic victories without him.
He remains immensely talented, but making himself appear non-essential at international level is a regret he won't shake off easily.
Turkey's Nations League Collapse Raises More Questions
Turkey possesses some of the most electrifying young talent in world football, featuring elite technicians like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. Yet, their historic self-destructive streak continues to cap their potential.
After reaching the World Cup Round of 16, Vincenzo Montella's side endured a difficult start to the Nations League, losing all four of their opening matches.
Sitting bottom of League A Group A1 after four defeats, Turkey now face a difficult battle to avoid a relegation play-off.
Scotland's New Era Starts With Four Difficult Results
Scotland's first international campaign under Sébastien Pocognoli began with mixed results, offering a breath of fresh air after the cautious final years of the Steve Clarke era.
However, those green shoots were ruthlessly exposed during a shocking second-half collapse against Slovenia at Hampden Park.
Throwing away a winning position to lose control completely has left the Tartan Army restless, with Scotland needing a significant improvement before the remaining Nations League fixtures.
