City stars in action for their countries
A SELECTION of Norwich City players are currently away on international duty with their countries.Canaries wideman Nathan Redmond has endured mixed fortunes with England’s Under-20s at the Toulon Tournament.
Redmond, who netted a stunning hat-trick in their European Championship qualifier against Wales last week, was rested for their opener against Qatar on Thursday before being reinstated to the starting eleven for their clash with Brazil on Monday.
Unfortunately the 20-year-old was unable to prevent defeat for Gareth Southgate’s team as they lost 2-1 in St. Raphael, with James Ward-Prowse netting their only goal.
He then played another 90 minutes against South Korea on Wednesday evening, but a 1-1 draw meant they now require a result against Colombia on Friday to secure the runners-up spot in the group behind Brazil.
Alexander Tettey started for Norway against France on Tuesday, but couldn't prevent a 4-0 thrashing against impressive opponents and will hope for better when they take on Russia on Saturday (6.30pm).
Steven Whittaker appeared as a late substitute for Scotland on Wednesday night, but they let a lead slip in the final moments to draw 2-2 with Nigeria in their friendly at Craven Cottage.
Republic of Ireland suffered their second consecutive home defeat on Sunday with a 2-1 reverse to Turkey – but Martin O’Neill praised the performance of Norwich midfielder Wes Hoolahan afterwards.
Hoolahan played the full 90 minutes and set up Jonathan Walters for Ireland’s only goal, while Anthony Pilkington was an unused substitute.
O’Neill’s outfit are set to play Italy in another friendly at Craven Cottage this Saturday (7.45pm).
Midfielder Leroy Fer is also with Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands squad as they prepare to take on Ghana, but will find out if he has made the final 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup prior to that game on Saturday (7.30pm).
At Under-19 level, young defender Kyle Callan-McFadden is currently away with Republic of Ireland.
They beat Iceland 2-1 on Wednesday in the first match of their European Championship Elite Qualifying Round as they chase a spot at this July’s tournament, with Turkey and Serbia to come.
Josh Murphy helped England’s Under-19s to two crucial wins over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The young Canaries winger won a penalty and set up another goal in the 6-0 rout of Montenegro in Walsall on Saturday, before playing 85 minutes in their narrow 2-1 victory over Scotland at the Pirelli Stadium on Monday.
Murphy and his teammates will return to Burton to face Ukraine in their final group game this Thursday (3pm), where a draw will be enough to see them secure a spot in this July Under-19s European Championship, which takes place in July.