Five lessons learned: international football special

Southgate fails to inspire

England followers were far from convinced about Gareth Southgate as leader before that slip-up in Glasgow, and there’s now serious question marks hanging over his future. Ok, the boss is undefeated is six, and top of Group F, but fans just love a knee-jerk reaction. They can book their tickets to Russia, without worry, but it’s how the team perform when they get there that’ll make or break Southgate’s reputation. There’s no doubt England have a supremely talented squad on paper, but they must make it work as a team. Fans don’t take too kindly to points dropped vs the auld enemy.

Norn Iron looking solid

Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland scored a late winner against Azerbaijan on Saturday to take control of the race for second behind Germany in Group C. Stuart Dallas rifled home a stoppage-time winner to stun their hosts, and pick up a vital three points. There’s a real confidence flowing through the team at the minute, and there was always a feeling they’d get the goal needed. Norn Iron are now five points off leaders Germany but, more importantly, four better than the Czech Republic in third. A tight group is now taking shape, and supporters love what they’re seeing.

Draw saves the Wales

Wales kept their hopes of qualification alive with another draw on Sunday, their fifth level finish on the bounce at this level. Ireland failed to see off Austria, which would’ve done The Dragons a massive favour, but there’s still all to play for here, with just four points between Serbia in first place and Austria in fourth, Ireland and Wales between the two. Ramsey chipped home a cheeky first half penalty, before Mitrovic pegged them back on 73 minutes. It was another battling performance from Chris Coleman’s side.