Those two matches should give a clearer idea of how the side known as Tuchel 2.0 is progressing.
The frank exchange came at the end of September. If the air had needed clearing after the World Cup, those discussions appear to have done the trick.
The shift showed in the last international break. After a narrow defeat by Spain in the opening game, England won the next three matches impressively.
England players are understood to have aired strong views about their World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina in a team meeting, according to the BBC.
It is understood that Tuchel pointed to the quality of the opposition as a key factor in why England eventually succumbed to two late goals.
All players were given an opportunity to set out their own views. Captain Harry Kane was strong and forthright.
A clearer reading of that progress is now close. England host Croatia on Thursday.
Those feelings did not ease once the tournament ended. They lingered through the summer and, in some cases, continued to grow.
The conversation went beyond the result. The circumstances of the Argentina defeat left some of the squad holding grievances.
Similarly, the fluctuating relationship between Bellingham and Tuchel seems to have improved as well.