England return to action this month for the first time since the World Cup in a new-look September international break.Previously, there were four breaks of two-week windows during the Premier League season – in September, October, November and March, followed by a June international window.England were left heartbroken at the World Cup as 60 years of hurt continuedGettyThis format saw each country play two matches per window, but that is all set to change this year.Instead of separate breaks in September and October, there will now be a three-week gap for international fixtures across late September and early October, with the two windows merging.Countries will play four matches across two weeks as opposed to the traditional two matches in a week format.The shake-up leaves England with a jam-packed schedule, as they return two months after their wait for major silverware continued with a heart-breaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.Thomas Tuchel‘s side face some stern tests, as they prepare to face world champions Spain, Croatia and Czechia twice in the Nations League.There is certain to be plenty of eyes on these games, with fans keen to see how Tuchel responds in the wake of huge criticism over the circumstances of his side’s World Cup exit.Why will the September international break last three weeks?A number of reasons are behind the decision to merge the September and October international breaks this season.This is partly due to the date of the World Cup final, with Spain emerging victorious over Argentina on July 19.The New York showdown’s timing made it the latest date for a summer World Cup since 1966.Player welfare and travel considerations were taken into account when the changes were made. Thomas Tuchel has one less international break to prepare for this AutumnGettyBy reducing the number of international breaks, this means some players will have to travel less from one continent to another for their international fixtures.This could hugely benefit African or South American players who play their domestic football in Europe and usually have to travel cross-continent on several occasions to represent their national teams.While the five-break schedule was previously the norm, there were some exceptions to this, such as when there was a major tournament like the World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations or European Championship.The move to switch to an extended September break was approved by the FIFA Council in March 2023.Meanwhile, the removal of the October break also ensures there will be an extra week of domestic football in the calendar.When are England playing?England will play their first match since the World Cup when they take on Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26.England ultimately collected a bronze medal at the 2026 World CupGettyThey then face Czechia away three days later on Tuesday, September 29.In another quick turnaround, the Three Lions as they travel to Croatia on Saturday, October 3.They then wrap up the international break by hosting Czechia at Wembley in the return Nations League clash on Tuesday, October 6.talkSPORT will have live commentary of all four matches, and talkSPORT.com will be right across all of the action too.Listen talkSPORT through the website or find us on DAB digital radio through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.Download and listen to all our live commentaries via the talkSPORT app, whilst talkSPORT is also available to watch on Samsung TV Plus.Subscribe to the talkSPORT YouTube channel for news, views and analysis plus our regular goals show and for more, follow us on talkSPORT Facebook and talkSPORT on X.For the latest odds and bet boosts for every big event, visit talkSPORT BET.Wembley will be hosting two Nations League games in the upcoming September international breakGettyWhat happens after the March international break?Once England have completed the two-week international break, the players will return to their clubs until early November.They will then have a traditional week-long international window between November 9 and November 17.2026-27 International WindowsSeptember 21 to October 6 – Four matchesNovember 9 to 17 – Two matchesMarch 22 to 30 – Two matchesJune 7 to 15 – Two matchesA four-month break from England action will follow, with the national team returning to action for a week in March 2027.The last international break of the 2026/27 campaign falls in June next year, running from Monday, June 7 to Tuesday, 15 June.