The final batch of international fixtures brought plenty of Newcastle interest, and plenty of contrasts. England produced their most convincing display of the Tuchel era, Bruno Guimarães felt the sting of altitude in La Paz, and Yoane Wissa carried his sharp form onto the international stage once again.
England thrash Serbia as Magpies feature
England were rampant in Belgrade, thrashing Serbia 5–0 in what felt like Thomas Tuchel’s first real statement win since taking charge almost a year ago. The stats told the story of dominance: 70% possession, 24 shots to Serbia’s three, and 12 efforts on target compared to none from the hosts.
From a Newcastle lens, Tino Livramento started at left back and played the full 90 minutes, a show of trust from Tuchel in a game where England looked balanced and dangerous down both flanks. Anthony Gordon also started, lasting 69 minutes, his direct running a constant outlet even if he didn’t make the scoresheet. Dan Burn remained on the bench throughout, while former Magpie Elliot Anderson once again got 90 minutes in midfield, another composed performance that underlined how far he has come since leaving Tyneside.
Bruno part of Bolivia shock
Over in South America, despite already qualifying, Brazil’s stock took a hit as they slumped to a 1–0 defeat away to Bolivia in La Paz. The altitude has undone many great sides over the years, but for Brazil it was still a shock result.
Bruno Guimarães played the full 90, part of a midfield that struggled to impose itself in difficult conditions. For Newcastle fans, the concern isn’t his individual form so much as the travel and fatigue, Brazil in Bolivia is as draining as it gets, and Bruno has once again been asked to shoulder the load for club and country.
Wissa finds the net again for DR Congo
For Yoane Wissa, the international break has been nothing but positive. After scoring and assisting in DR Congo’s win against South Sudan, he was on the scoresheet again as they took a 2–0 lead over Senegal before ultimately falling 3–2. Though Wissa was taken off after 70 odd minutes before the real drama kicked off. Despite false rumours circulating that he was taken off injured, he should be fine to feature at the weekend.
For Newcastle, the key takeaway is his sharpness. After a disrupted pre-season, Wissa looks fit, firing, and ready to hit the ground running on Tyneside. Goals breed confidence, and if he brings that scoring touch back to St James’ Park, he could quickly become a valuable part of Eddie Howe’s attacking mix.
Conclusion
That brings an end to an international break that felt like an eternity. Now, all eyes turn to the planes bringing our lads back to Tyneside ahead of a vitally important home game against Wolves on Saturday.
The biggest question mark surrounds Bruno Guimarães. After playing the full 90 minutes in the insane altitude of La Paz, and with a long-haul flight back from South America, there’s every chance Eddie Howe decides to rest him at the weekend. The stakes are high, a Champions League tie with Barcelona looms next week, and Newcastle also face a punishing run of six matches in the next 18 days.
Whether Bruno features against Wolves may depend less on him and more on the fitness of Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey, and Joe Willock. If they’re ready to shoulder the midfield load, Howe may choose to wrap his Brazilian star in cotton wool. If not, Bruno might be asked to go again, heavy legs or not.
