Catch up on the latest round of international fixtures involving Hornets
Watford could have a player at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil after Essaid Belkalem’s Algeria qualified with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso.
After a 3-2 defeat against Burkina Faso back in October – a game in which Belkalem gave away two penalties – Algeria returned to home soil and won thanks to Majid Bougherra’s goal.
Belkalem, who was suspended, missed tonight’s win in Blida, but will hope to be part of Algeria’s 23-man squad next summer.
Jonathan Bond made his England Under-21’s debut tonight, coming off the bench for the second-half of England’s 9-0 win over San Marino.
Stoke City ‘keeper Jack Butland started the game, but with England 5-0 up, Gareth Southgate handed the former Wales youth international his maiden England cap.
England went on to score four more time as Bond enjoyed a quiet second-half an a clean sheet.
Former ‘Orn Nathaniel Chalobah was an unused substitute.
Ikechi Anya completed 50 minutes in Scotland`s 1-0 victory away to Norway before being replaced by Craig Conway due to what looked like a slight knock, writes Colin Cowan.
It was reported that he was rested for the game against USA on the Friday night due to a minor injury that forced him to miss training on the Thursday.
However, the Watford and Scotland wing-back regained his place in the side for the away match in Norway.
He started brightly and almost scored after seven minutes following a poor clearance from Norway ‘keeper Nyland which he took down well before shooting wide.
This was Anya’s only involvement in the match in a quiet game for Gordon Strachan`s side.
Anya was replaced shortly after the interval when he seemed to be struggling.
Sean Murray added another cap to his collection for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21s as they drew 0-0 away in Montengro.
Murray twice tested the host’s ‘keeper early on, but the Boys in Green were unable to find their way past the Montenegran goalkeeper.
Finally, Cristian Battocchio played 84 minutes for Italy’s Under-21s in their 1-0 defeat in Serbia.
The all-action midfielder was replaced by Francesco Fedato with six minutes to play.
Congratulations to all those involved with their nations tonight, particularly messrs Bond and Belkalem.
