UEFA Nations League action continued tonight across three intriguing fixtures, including Lee Carsley’s final match in charge of England, and a clash of the titans between Italy and France.
Let’s see how things have taken shape thus far, and check back in for further results later.
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Scorers: Kane 53′ (pen), Gordon 56′, Gallagher 58′, Bowen 76′, Harwood-Bellis 79′
On a night when Newcastle saw three included in an England team since 1997, the Three Lions sent Lee Carsley off in stunning fashion with a 5-0 win at Wembley against ten-man Ireland.
England was restricted in the opening 45 minutes of play in the capital despite holding north of 70% of the ball, however, failing to test Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher with any shots on frame during that period of play.
But that would all change, ruthlessly.
Harry Kane would finally give the home side a deserved 1-0 lead just seven minutes after the restart with a cooly-taken penalty after Liam Scales fouled Jude Bellingham in the box for his second yellow on a night and subsequent sending-off.
Magpies star Anthony Gordon bagged his first England goal to double the advantage just three minutes later when the winger swept home past Kelleher after Tino Livramento’s ball into the box deflected into his path.
Conor Gallagher would quickly match that milestone two minutes later with his own first international goal. The Atlético de Madrid midfielder converted from nearly on the goal line after Marc Guéhi headed on Livramento’s corner.
Not to be outdone, substitute Jarrod Bowen got in on the action to also score a first for his country just seconds after coming into the match, slamming home a half-volley from inside the box.
In almost unreal fashion, former England U21 captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis would, you guessed it, bag a first senior goal on his debut after being introduced to replace Kyle Walker.
Still to come
📸 ADRIAN DENNIS – AFP or licensors