Kovacic returns as Man City stars impress on international duty | OneFootball

Manchester City have found form since the last international break and Pep Guardiola’s players have continued to shine for their national sides.

Erling Haaland extended his scoring streak to ten consecutive matches for club and country. The Norwegian missed a penalty in the opening minutes against Israel but still went on to net a hat-trick. It takes him past the 20 goal-mark in all competitions already this season.

Haaland has now been sent back to Manchester to rest and will miss Norway’s friendly with New Zealand. City teammate Oscar Bobb will still be in action after also starting in the win against Israel. City youngster Sverre Nypan, who has impressed on loan at Middlesbrough this season, has now been called up for the friendly. The 18-year-old could make his senior debut.

John Stones played 80 minutes for England in their 3-0 victory over Wales. James Trafford was an unused substitute in the match, alongside Nico O’Reilly who is yet to make his senior debut after receiving his first call up this camp.

Before being promoted, O’Reilly had been set to join team-mates Rico Lewis, Divin Mubama and Max Alleyne in the England U21 squad. Mubama, currently on loan at Stoke City, scored twice in a 4-0 win against Moldova. Lewis also got on the scoresheet, with Alleyne, currently on loan at Watford, playing the full 90 minutes at centre-back.

Tijjani Reijnders was on target for the Netherlands in their 4-0 victory over Malta. The midfielder then came off the bench as they defeated Finland by the same scoreline three days later. Nathan Ake also featured from the bench in that match.

Gianluigi Donnarumma played the full game for Italy as they beat Estonia 3-1, boosting their World Cup qualification hopes. However, the goalkeeper was completely at fault for the goal he conceded. He dropped a routine catch from a cross, gifting Estonia a late consolation goal.

Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias played the full 90 minutes as Portugal squeezed past Ireland with an injury-time winner. Matheus Nunes is also on international duty alongside them but he was an unused substitute in the 1-0 win.

Josko Gvardiol helped Croatia keep two clean sheets as they drew with the Czech Republic and defeated Gibraltar. Mateo Kovacic made his return for his national side and captained Croatia in their 3-0 win over Gibraltar, playing for 78 minutes in his first appearance of the season.

Jeremy Doku’s impressive form continued on international duty with Belgium. Although his country were held to a 0-0 draw with North Macedonia, he was a standout performer in the game.