New International Football thread

[Durhamfootman]

the NI v Slovakia game on Friday night was a good game too

[andy]

Ollie Watkins has pulled out of the England squad with injury.... hopefully Kane is fit for Tuesday otherwise looking bare upfront

[Durhamfootman]

Might start with Gordon up front and bring Harry on if necessary

I'm looking forward to the NI v Ger game tonight. I was impressed with NI the other night and I'll get a chance to see how my boy gets on for Germany. Newcastle tried to keep him away from these internationals (virus allegedly), but Germany were having none of it

[andy]

Bowen a contender to start upfront too maybe?

[Durhamfootman]

not sure about that, tbh

Enjoyable game NI v Ger. My boy scored his first senior goal for the Erics

Wales took the early lead v Belgium, but now trail 2-1 at HT

[Durhamfootman]

Germany hanging on at the end of that match

good game, I enjoyed it

[Durhamfootman]

Kosovo have beaten Sweden. I don't think Sweden can qualify now unless they win the last 2 games, score a shed load of goals and hope Kosovo can't find a point from somewhere, or unless they have some sort of play off pass from the nations league. Ha.... goal dry in Alex

Iceland held France to a 2-2 draw and Wales put 2 past Belgium, but still lost

[Durhamfootman]

England U21's beat Andorra to record 3 from 3 and have yet to concede a goal

meanwhile the senior boys can secure qualification tomorrow night with 2 games to spare by beating Latvia in Riga

[Durhamfootman]

a bit of controversy at the end of NI v Ger

NI had a player hauled to the ground on the goal line in the last move of the game with Germany teetering and as VAR began their penalty check, the ref booked the two players for the barney that ensued and then immediately blew the final whistle and ended the game while the VAR check was still going on. NI manager was absolutely spitting feathers. He was definitely dragged to the ground by the defender. Could easily have been given as a penalty. Ref was one of those pernickety types who blows all the time for minor infringements, but lets the big stuff go. Equally poor for both sides though, so hopeless rather than scurrilous

[Durhamfootman]

Kosovo have beaten Sweden. I don't think Sweden can qualify now unless they win the last 2 games, score a shed load of goals and hope Kosovo can't find a point from somewhere, or unless they have some sort of play off pass from the nations league. Ha.... goal dry in Alex

Sweden currently hold the 3rd of 4 nations league play off slots, so unless some of the top 2 teams in the groups, who are ahead of Sweden in the rankings, drop out of the top two then Sweden will get a play off lifebelt thrown at them. It's hard to see where 2 teams might drop out.

[bigfluffylemon]

England cruising.

[bigfluffylemon]

Not the worlds hardest qualifying group, but you can only beat what's in front of you. Job done with plenty of room to spare.

[Durhamfootman]

Yes. Under the old regime, England struggled to break down the low block of teams like Latvia, but this current squad are managing to score goals okay. Lots of crosses, shots from range, every now and again under the relentless pressure, shots go in and once England get their noses in front more opportunities present themselves as teams are forced to become a little more adventurous

It helps having Kane up front in this sort of form.

I thought Gordon was great causing havoc down the left, several dangerous crosses and a well taken goal. Saka did well, but could have tried to get round the back a bit more. Anderson again controlled the middle of the park, allowing Rice to roam around. England's back 2 dealt with most things. Better from the subs tonight. Bowen was lively, Eze did well. Rashford still a bit hit and miss.... looked quiet but had a couple of decent moments

Another decent performance from Spence, MLS not quite on it and a lot of Rogers threaded balls failed to come off tonight.

The squad for next summer looks to be taking shape, but they are going to need some friendlies against good sides to test them a bit more.

America here we come

[andy]

Good result can't moan about the.performance but I just couldn't see the point of some of the subs...particularly Henderson and burn? What is tuchel going to learn about bringing Henderson on with 30 mins to go against Latvia? Surely being someone else on younger and more about them that you need to have a look at? Arguably didn't even a holding midfielder last night ...

[Durhamfootman]

Arguably didn't even a holding midfielder last night ...

one of the things that we used to complain about SG was that he would have 2 holding midfielders against a team like Latvia, so I don't mind that tbh