The international break ended with some satisfaction for the under-fire British teams. England produced one of their best results and one of their best performances for many years in the 4-1 thrashing of Croatia.

Scotland got the 2-1 win in Iceland they so desperately needed after the disappointment of the 1-0 defeat in Macedonia.

Northern Ireland held the comparatively mighty Czech Republic to a 0-0 draw in Belfast.

Wales put in one of their best performances under John Toshack in Russia although they ended up on the wrong end of the 2-1 score line.

All in all it was a good day for the British teams who have all received their fair amount of criticism. The four managers will be pleased and relieved in equal measures as they sit back and wait for the next installment.