"International Break" is the tenth episode of the third season of the American sports comedy-drama television series Ted Lasso, based on the character played by Jason Sudeikis in a series of promos for NBC Sports' coverage of England's Premier League. It is the 32nd overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Jane Becker, and directed by supervising producer Matt Lipsey. It was released on Apple TV+ on May 17, 2023.
The series follows Ted Lasso, an American college football coach who is unexpectedly recruited to coach a fictional English Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond, despite having no experience coaching soccer. The team's owner, Rebecca Welton, hires Lasso hoping he will fail as a means of exacting revenge on the team's previous owner, Rupert, her unfaithful ex-husband. The previous season saw Rebecca work with Ted in saving it, which culminated with their promotion to the Premier League. In the episode, Edwin Akufo returns to form his own Super League, while Keeley and Nate face challenges.
The episode received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances, but criticized the runtime, disjointed storylines and Nate's subplot.
Plot
AFC Richmond is coming off a 10-game winning streak, with Sam (Toheeb Jimoh) singled out as a key player. News also reveals that Nate (Nick Mohammed) has unexpectedly parted ways with West Ham United F.C., with pundits wondering if the club's success should be attributed to him or Rupert (Anthony Head). A conversation with Jade (Edyta Budnik) reveals that Nate chose to quit the club.
With an international break approaching, several of the Richmond players are called to represent their countries: Jamie (Phil Dunster) makes his debut for the English national football team, Dani (Cristo Fernández) is called for the Mexican national football team, Bumbercatch for the Switzerland national football team, Colin (Billy Harris) for the Welsh national football team, and Thierry Zoreaux / "Van Damme" (Moe Jeudy-Lamour) for the Canadian national soccer team. Sam is disappointed that he was not selected for the Nigerian national football team, but his spirits are lifted when he sees Jamie playing for England sporting his number. Meanwhile, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) is informed that Edwin Akufo (Sam Richardson) is visiting to form a new Super League that is to consist of top players and clubs.
Keeley (Juno Temple) arrives at KJPR, finding that the furniture is being taken away and the employees are leaving. She is told by Barbara (Katy Wix) that Jack's bosses have decided to pull funding for the company, essentially shutting down the firm within two days. Rebecca is visited by Rupert at her office, inviting her to attend Akufo's Super League meeting, which she ultimately accepts. Sam arrives at Ola's, finding Akufo there. As petty retribution for turning down his previous offer to join Raja CA, Akufo reveals that he was responsible for booking reservations and then cancelling each one, and that he bribed the Nigerian government with $20 million to keep him from playing in Nigeria's national team.
Phoebe gives Roy (Brett Goldstein) a tie-dyed shirt she made for him. Despite being mocked by a lot of people, Roy chooses to wear it, with her teacher, Ms. Bowen (Ruth Bradley) noting he is much more "lighter" regarding his attitude. Rebecca attends Akufo's meeting, encountering many other businessmen. Akufo reveals his intentions for his League to get all the best clubs in Europe and charge higher prices for tickets, but Rebecca berates them for taking football away from working class people just to make more money that they don't need and refuses to join. This prompts the rest of the businessmen to reject Akufo's plan, resulting in an off-screen tantrum from Akufo that leaves the guests covered in food. After everyone leaves, Rupert tries to kiss Rebecca, but she politely rebuffs him.