Three first-team players were in action for their respective countries on international duty, with contrasting fortunes.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (England)
It was both surprising and a disappointment to see the 23-year-old named as one of the substitutes during England’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
Luckily though, he showed what the Three Lions were missing just five minutes after being introduced in the second-half.
Showing great persistence, he weaved past two defenders after evading Scott Brown’s attempted challenge before firing a swerving strike through goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
His cross for Adam Lallana not long after was perfect but the Liverpool midfielder messed up his header.
Harry Kane’s last-gasp strike meant the points were shared at Hampden Park after a dramatic final five minutes or so saw Scotland take the lead with two direct free-kicks.
Shkodran Mustafi (Germany)
Talk about leading by example!
The centre-back put in a commanding display from the back during Germany’s 7-0 thrashing of San Marino as Germany reclaimed their five-point lead atop Group C in the World Cup qualifier on Saturday evening.
His passing was accurate and impressive as usual, and this match offered him a perfect opportunity to continue honing his ball-playing skills. He also netted from close-range, having outmuscled his marker after a corner-kick was poorly dealt with.
Watch his goal and highlights from Germany’s routine win here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPbRTjN7B3g
Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)
It was a frustrating afternoon for Iwobi and Nigeria as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against South Africa during their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Having impressed during their comfortable victory over Togo, Iwobi and his compatriots were expected to replicate their success in this match.
Nigeria’s lack of consistency has been apparent for a while now and this result reiterates the problems which lie within the team. They were clearly complacent and didn’t turn up against a spirited side with nothing to lose.
Iwobi played 60 minutes before being replaced by Leicester forward Ahmed Musa. By that time they had already conceded courtesy of Tokelo Rantie’s header and needed attacking reinforcements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9-kgCJyH-4
Who else is in action?
Mohamed Elneny (Egypt vs Tunisia), Aaron Ramsey (Wales vs Serbia) and Nacho Monreal (Spain vs Macedonia) could all feature for their respective nations during fixtures on Sunday.
The u21 European Championships start next Friday, with both England (Chambers, Holding) and Poland (Krystian Bielik) in action on the opening day.
David Ospina (Colombia vs Cameroon) is expected to start in goal as normal on Tuesday, while Hector Bellerín will represent Spain in the u21 Euros too.