Nations League wins for Hugo and Ben

It was a busy Tuesday of action for our players and their respective countries as the international action wound down once more ahead of the Premier League’s return this weekend.

Hugo Lloris and Ben Davies enjoyed victories with France and Wales respectively in the UEFA Nations League. Goalkeeper and captain Hugo saw his France side come back from a goal down to win 2-1 against Germany in Paris, while Ben’s Wales claimed a 1-0 victory away to Republic of Ireland.

Hugo had another busy game – he was visibly frustrated after getting a good left hand to Toni Kroos’ early penalty but not keeping it out as the Germans took the lead, but then had his wits about him to prevent the visitors from scoring again before a double from Antoine Griezmann turned things around.

Hugo and Ben both got 90 minutes under their belts, as did Toby Alderweireld in Belgium’s 1-1 home friendly draw with the Netherlands.

Lucas Moura was on the bench for Brazil as they secured a dramatic, stoppage-time 1-0 win over rivals Argentina in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but there was frustration for the duo of Serge Aurier and Heung-Min Son earlier in the day, Serge’s Ivory Coast held 0-0 at Central African Republic in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier while Son – who provided an assist for South Korea’s second goal – saw his nation let a 2-0 lead slip through their fingers as they drew 2-2 at home to Panama. Serge and Sonny both played the full 90.

Numerous players were in international action at lower age levels on Tuesday, notably with on-loan Josh Onomah playing 72 minutes in a fine 2-0 win for England Under-21s in Scotland – a result that saw the Young Lions round off a successful European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign in some style.

In Under-19 Euro qualifying, Troy Parrott put in another full shift as Republic of Ireland Under-19s came from behind to win 2-1 at home to the Netherlands and top their group while young defender Maxi Tainio was on the bench for Finland Under-19s as they battled out a goalless draw in Estonia. TJ Eyoma, meanwhile, played 90 minutes at the back as England Under-19s beat Macedonia 6-2 in a friendly at St George’s Park.

At Under-17 level, Dennis Cirkin stepped off the bench for England as they beat Brazil 3-1 in Telford.

Elsewhere, defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Davinson Sanchez both played 90 minutes in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Cameron’s USA drew 1-1 with Peru in Connecticut with Davinson and Colombia victorious 3-1 against Costa Rica in Harrison, New Jersey.