Flying Start To Qualifying For Keogh And Wilson

Richard Keogh and Harry Wilson both made key contributions as their nations got off to a perfect start in Euro 2020 qualifying during the international break.

Fikayo Tomori was also in action, with several Academy starlets also representing their country with success, achieving personal and collective milestones.

Here’s a look at how they all got on…

Richard Keogh

The Rams’ No.6 started and completed each of Mick McCarthy’s first two games in charge, as the Republic of Ireland began Euro 2020 qualifying with back-to-back victories.

They overcame difficult conditions in Gibraltar to return home with a valuable 1-0 victory, before beating Georgia by the same scoreline at the Aviva Stadium to go top of Group D after the opening round of fixtures.

Harry Wilson

Wilson has played a lot of minutes this season and he was afforded a rest by Wales boss Ryan Giggs as his side took on Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly, but he returned to the starting XI for their first Euro 2020 qualifier.

He caused problems for Slovakia all afternoon as part of a vibrant attacking trio with Swansea City’s Dan James and Bournemouth’s David Brooks, before being replaced late on in a 1-0 win.

Fikayo Tomori

Ever-present for Derby since November - Tomori continued his excellent form with England Under-21s and he was recognised with the Man of the Match award as Aidy Boothroyd’s side drew 1-1 with Poland at Ashton Gate.

He was then an unused substitute as the Young Lions fell to a late defeat against Germany.

Kyle McAllister

The 20-year-old winger made his first appearance for Scotland Under-21s as they took on Mexico in Marbella, in a game that ended goalless.

McAllister was then absent from the matchday squad that were beaten 2-1 by Sweden.

Timi Elsnik and Sven Karic

Two regulars in the Under-23s over recent seasons - Elsnik and Karic both made their first appearances for Slovenia Under-21s, but it was a mixed occasion as Georgia came away with a 3-0 win.

Jason Knight and Festy Ebosele

Knight and Ebosele enjoyed success in their time away during the break, as they helped the Republic of Ireland Under-19s to qualify for this summer’s European Championship finals in Armenia.

A 5-0 win against Romania got Ireland up and running, before Knight scored in the 3-1 victory against Azerbaijan that secured qualification.

Knight featured in all three games, while Ebosele came on as a late substitute against Azerbaijan before starting in the final fixture - a 2-0 win against Russia.

Morgan Whittaker

Whittaker continued his impressive campaign by getting his name on the scoresheet for the first time in international football for England Under-18s.

The 18-year-old found the net against Japan in the opening game of the UAE Sports Chain Cup in Dubai, and his side eventually finished as runners-up in the tournament.

His strike was his 20th goal for club and country in all competitions this season.

Eiran Cashin and Jaden Charles

Another two players earning their first international call-ups, Cashin and Charles featured in the Republic of Ireland Under-18s’ double-header against Turkey.

Cashin started in a 4-0 defeat in the first game before sitting out the goalless draw that followed, while Charles appeared as a substitute in the loss and started the stalemate.