The international break has severely dented the footballing action around the region this week, but with England in action and the Super League nearing its end, there is still plenty to take in this midweek.

Tuesday 9th September: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Serbia v. England, 19:45

The Three Lions are back in action for the second group matchup of the opening international break of the 25/26 season. Against the only other unbeaten team in Group K, with Serbia waiting in Belgrade for the hardest test of qualification.

Tuchel’s men are the only side with a 100% win record in what has been a favourable group for England. Their last outing at the weekend was a 2-0 win at Villa Park over Andorra, with an own goal and a header from Rice being the difference, which has left them on twelve points and five clear of their next opponents, Serbia, in second with a game less played.

While not impressing heavily, the three lions are steadily dispatching opponents in qualifying and have yet to concede a goal in all four matches while Tuchel attempts to bleed in new talent into the setup, such as Noni Madueke and Elliot Anderson, who impressed in their starting outings against Andorra.

Serbia also had an uninspiring victory last week, as they earned a 1-0 win away in Riga against Latvia thanks to a 12th-minute goal from Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic. With that win keeping them on an unbeaten start with three games played, they also share the favourable accolade with England of having not conceded a single goal.

A trip to Belgrade will be no easy feat for England, as Stojkovic’s men are unbeaten in their last seven internationals and have not lost a World Cup Qualifier at home since 2012, which is a run of 13 matches.

With the World Cup just 18 months away, Tuchel will be hoping his side start sticking and that there are key players making themselves known ahead of the biggest event in the sporting calendar. It also needs to be seen if the new system under the German manager will be functional as the three lions enter a major tournament under new management for the first time since 2018.

Date: 09/09/2025

Time: 19:45

Venue: Stadio Rajko Mitic, Belgrade

The match will be shown on ITVx.

 

Thursday 11th September: Betfred Super League, Leeds Rhinos v Catalans Dragons, 20:00

The penultimate round of the Super League kicks off this week with the top two chasing Rhinos hosting strugglers Catalan.

The Rhinos are still on the charge in their hunt to usurp Wigan Warriors in second spot and an automatic playoff semi-final place. Brad Arthur's team is in excellent form, having secured five consecutive victories and trailing only two points behind Wigan, who narrowed the gap on Friday night with their victory over St Helens.

They have even managed to not concede a point in their last two fixtures, which were both away in separate hammerings to Hull FC and Huddersfield. Much of the same is expected when facing Catalan Dragons, who sit ninth in the league with just three wins in their last ten matches.

They have won two of three in recent weeks, however, with a 38-4 home win over Castleford and a hotly contested 17-16 win over bottom side Salford thanks to a smart Tison drop goal four minutes from time.

The late uptick in the French side’s form will likely not be enough to quell a Rhinos side hitting stride at the perfect time, especially with a win needed to tee up the final game of the regular season, which is a trip to Wigan on the 19th.

Date: 11/09/2025

Time: 20:00

Venue: Headingley Stadium

The match will be shown on Sky Sports Action.

 

Friday 12th September Betfred Super League Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers 20:00

Before we get to the weekend's action, the other match that has an influence on the top two is to be played as Wigan play Castleford at the Brick Community Stadium.

The Warriors have been in fine form for the majority of the campaign, having lost just five in 25 matches and currently finding themselves just two points away from Hull KR in first. Wigan have been ruthless in their hunt for the league leaders' shield and a favourable playoff starting point, with just one loss in their last five being a close 10-6 loss to the Robins.

They pushed through a crucial match over bitter rivals St Helens last time out, where they had to battle through a tough opening 15 minutes where they found themselves behind but ultimately won convincingly 18-4.

Castleford have experienced a contrasting season, achieving only six wins and struggling with inconsistency throughout their campaign. The Tigers are also coming into this off the back of a rare victory over rivals Wakefield in the derby last week in a 26-22 victory at Wheldon Road.

The victory for the Tigers could potentially put a dent in Wakefield’s playoff hopes, and the Cas will be hoping they can do the same again to Wigan, who come with all the expectation to win and win heavily in order to keep themselves far away on point difference from Castleford’s biggest rivals, Leeds, in third.

Date: 12/09/2025

Time: 20:00

Venue: The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan

The match will be shown on Sky Go.