The international merry-go-round is back in motion. After a few days break following the conclusion of club football for another two weeks the international circus was back on Thursday night on an evening that saw Spain, Portugal, Ukraine and Germany in action. Cole Palmer also featured for England U21s but picked up an injury.
Ukraine 1-1 Bulgaria
Oleksandr Zinchenko started and completed only his second full match since mid-September as Ukraine salvaged a draw from their match against Bulgaria in a friendly that saw Taras Stepanenko score ten minutes from time. Oleksandr has been working his way back to full fitness since overcoming a recent injury problem that kept him out of action for over a month and completing a full ninety just two weeks after his last full match - a 0-0 Carabao Cup match v West Ham - two weeks ago will be a huge milestone for him as he looks to make his way back into club contention.
Republic of Ireland 0-0 Portugal
Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo both were unused substitutes as Portugal beat Ireland in World Cup qualifying on Thursday night. Bernardo Silva, struggling with a muscle issue, wasn't even a part of the matchday squad after he didn't travel with the rest of the squad to Ireland. There's no mention of a return date for Silva but the hope is that it is just a minor issue.
Greece 0-1 Spain
Rodri and Aymeric Laporte both started and played the full game as Spain got the better of Greece in their World Cup qualifying game. Luis Enrique’s side face Sweden on Sunday in a clash that should decide who finishes top of the group with Spain a point ahead at the moment.
Germany 9-0 Leichtenstein
Ilkay Gundogan started, played 64 minutes and scored a penalty as Germany put on a scoring masterclass to dispatch Liechtenstein in their first qualifying game of this international break.
England U21 3-1 Czech Republic U21
Cole Palmer started for England in U21 Euro qualification – playing very well until forced off in the 73rd minute due to a hamstring injury. Jack Gaughan of Mail Sport reports that the injury is to be assessed by England medics in due course.
Writer: @j2mcfc
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