Saturday’s briefing: Nwaneri stars for England as Northern Ireland grab key win

Ethan Nwaneri starred for England Under-21s as Lee Carsley’s side secured a 4-0 win against Moldova in qualification for the European Championships.

Elsewhere, Trai Hume helped Northern Ireland record a 2-0 World Cup qualifying triumph over Slovakia, while England head coach Thomas Tuchel insisted England do not need to leave Wembley to improve an atmosphere he described as “silent” following his side’s 3-0 win over Wales.

Nwaneri stars as England U21s see off Moldova

Divin Mubama scored his first two goals for England Under-21s but Ethan Nwaneri was the architect of a 4-0 win over Moldova to maintain their 100 per cent record after two matches of European Championship qualifying.

Arsenal’s Nwaneri was given licence to roam in the number 10 position, and provided assists for the opening two goals scored by Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens and on-loan Stoke striker Mubama in Chisinau.

Nwaneri also laid on the through-ball which saw debutant Josh King brought down for a 74th-minute penalty. Mubama converted from the spot before Rico Lewis added a fourth in the 89th minute.

Hume fires Northern Ireland to win against Slovakia

Trai Hume’s first Northern Ireland goal helped them to a 2-0 win over Slovakia which keeps their World Cup qualifying campaign on track.

Patrik Hrosovsky’s 18th-minute own goal rewarded Northern Ireland for a strong start but, after wasting two outstanding chances to double their lead either side of the break, they endured some nervy moments before Hume lifted the ball over the stranded Martin Dubravka with nine minutes to go.

Michael O’Neill had refused to call this a must-win, but the reality was they needed all three points to keep pace in a tight group in which Northern Ireland, Slovakia and Germany all have six points from three games.

Tuchel denies England need Wembley switch

Thomas Tuchel said England do not need to leave Wembley to improve the atmosphere.

The Euro 2024 runners-up followed up last month’s 5-0 World Cup qualification win in Serbia with an impressive 3-0 friendly victory against neighbours Wales in front of a packed house.

But Tuchel said the ground was “silent” as he expressed frustration with the Wembley crowd following England’s first match there since his first game in charge in March. Many fans believe the atmosphere issue could be answered by taking the team on the road.

“No, we don’t need to make a big thing,” Tuchel said when that prospect was mentioned. “I thought that the team deserved (more).

“I felt like the boys and the team deserved a bit more of a spark and in the second half they could have helped us.”

Ireland need to be perfect to stop Portugal, says Hallgrimsson

Heimir Hallgrimsson has admitted the Republic of Ireland will have to produce a near “perfect” display if they are to get a positive result in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Portugal.

Ireland head into the game at the Jose Alvalade Stadium with their Group F hopes already severely damaged by last month’s home draw with Hungary and a humbling 2-1 defeat in Armenia.

Hallgrimsson said: “First of all, we know we need to have almost a perfect game to get something from this match. And if we do, we have a chance to steal a point or to win the game.

“Obviously, we need to try to keep a clean sheet – that’s always going to make it easier. But for the players to have a good performance, yes, they would definitely believe more and give them more confidence. That was taken away from us, if I can say that, in Armenia.”

What’s on today?

Spain bid to continue their 100 per cent record so far when they entertain Georgia in Group E, while Italy travel to face Estonia in Group I.

The Italians are six points behind Norway who have won all five of their matches. The Norwegians are in action at home to Israel.