Nine AFC Bournemouth players were involved in their country’s matchday squad last night, as the World Cup qualifiers approach their conclusion.
Joshua King was on target for Norway, firstly netting a penalty 14 minutes into their 8-0 win over San Marino, before adding a second three minutes later. However, Lars Lagerback’s side are unable to qualify for next year’s World Cup, currently sitting nine points behind Northern Ireland in second place.
Lys Mousset was another Cherries forward on target, netting the winner 15 minutes from time as France under-21s came from behind to beat Montenegro 2-1 in their European qualifier.
Aaron Ramsdale and Connor Mahoney both featured for England under-20s, who recorded an impressive 5-1 win over Italy. The former bagged 90 minutes between the sticks, whilst Mahoney came on with 15 minutes remaining.
Fellow shot-stopper Mark Travers was also involved and kept a clean sheet for the Republic of Ireland’s under-19 side, as they drew 0-0 with Azerbaijan. Joe Quigley remained on the bench for the under-21s, who drew 0-0 with Norway.
Elsewhere, Jermain Defoe, Ryan Fraser and Brad Smith remained unused substitutes, as England, Scotland and Australia all edged closer to next summer’s World Cup in Russia.
Fellow internationals Nathan Ake and Asmir Begovic will have to wait until tomorrow for their side’s first fixture, whilst Harry Arter’s Ireland are in action against Moldova tonight.
