Harry Kane kept England on course to qualify for Euro 2020 as the skipper's hat-trick inspired a 4-0 demolition of Bulgaria on Saturday.

Kane punished woeful Bulgaria defending to open the scoring in the first half at Wembley.

The Tottenham striker netted again with a penalty soon after the interval before Raheem Sterling struck to put England in complete control.

Kane claimed his second international hat-trick with another penalty, taking him to 25 goals in 40 England appearances.

Gareth Southgate's side sit top of Group A with three successive victories and 14 goals to their credit.

Their next qualifier is against second placed Kosovo at Southampton on Tuesday.

Such is the weakness of England's group that the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists already look odds-on to qualify for Euro 2020.

The only issue between now and the start of the tournament next June is how Southgate configures his squad to ensure they start as one of the main contenders for the trophy.

Southgate earned criticism on social media for not giving starts to in-form youngsters Jadon Sancho and Mason Mount against Bulgaria.

But, before kick-off, he defended his decision to stick with his established players, saying: "We have to win matches. It's not a case of giving people caps.&nbsp;We're trying to qualify for a European Championship."

Kieran Trippier was a beneficiary of Southgate's faith in his proven troops, the Atletico Madrid right-back&nbsp;earning a recall ahead of Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Trippier was caught out of position early on when Marcelinho got in behind him and picked out Wanderson for a shot that was too close to England keeper Jordan Pickford.

That was the low point of a subdued start from England, but Bulgaria, adopting a defensive 4-5-1 formation, were so cautious that they allowed Southgate's men to gradually find their rhythm.

Kane had the ball in the net from Sterling's cross in the 19th minute, but the captain's close-range effort was correctly ruled out for offside.

Farcical defending

Kane didn't have to wait long for his first goal as he capitalised on Bulgaria's farcical defending in the 24th minute.

Recklessly trying to play inside their own penalty area, Bulgaria were caught out as Georgi Sarmov's backpass to Plamen Iliev prompted the keeper to hurriedly poke towards Vasil Bozhikov.

Sterling sensed Bulgaria's panic and nipped in to alertly steal possession before clipping his pass back towards Kane, who slotted into the empty net from close-range.

The inclusion of Everton's Michael Keane alongside Harry Maguire at the heart of England's defence underlined a lack of depth at that position.

Keane has suffered from injury and confidence issues since he left Burnley two years ago, while Maguire had to go off for a few minutes during the warm-up after accidentally clashing heads with team-mate Declan Rice.

Neither looked sharp when Galin Ivanov found space between them to meet Strahil Popov's cross, only for the winger to waste his golden opportunity to equalise by nodding a weak header straight at Pickford.

Bulgaria squandered another chance immediately after half-time when Wanderson was granted time and space for a shot that Pickford repelled at his near post.

England were roused by that escape and killed off the visitors in the 49th minute.

Marcus Rashford's incisive raid carried him into the Bulgaria area, where he was tripped by Nikolay Bodurov, earning a penalty that Kane dispatched with ease.

With Bulgaria by now well out of their depth, England bagged a third goal in the 55th minute as Rashford fed Kane and his cross was bundled in by Sterling on the goal-line.

Sancho and Mount came on in the closing stages, but it was Kane who hogged the spotlight.

He completed his treble in the 73rd minute, drilling in his second penalty after winning the spot-kick himself with a rampaging run that was ended by a foul from Kristian Dimitrov.

Harry Kane kept England on course to qualify for Euro 2020 as the skipper's hat-trick inspired a 4-0 demolition of Bulgaria on Saturday. Kane punished woeful Bulgaria defending to open the scoring in the first half at Wembley.

Harry Kane kept England on course to qualify for Euro 2020 as the skipper's hat-trick inspired a 4-0 demolition of Bulgaria on Saturday. Kane punished woeful Bulgaria defending to open the scoring in the first half at Wembley. The Tottenham striker netted again with a penalty soon after the interval before Raheem Sterling struck to put England in complete control. Kane claimed his second international hat-trick with another penalty, taking him to 25 goals in 40 England appearances. Gareth Southgate's side sit top of Group A with three successive victories and 14 goals to their credit. Their next qualifier is against second placed Kosovo at Southampton on Tuesday. Such is the weakness of England's group that the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists already look odds-on to qualify for Euro 2020. The only issue between now and the start of the tournament next June is how Southgate configures his squad to ensure they start as one of the main contenders for the trophy. Southgate earned criticism on social media for not giving starts to in-form youngsters Jadon Sancho and Mason Mount against Bulgaria. But, before kick-off, he defended his decision to stick with his established players, saying: "We have to win matches. It's not a case of giving people caps. We're trying to qualify for a European Championship." Kieran Trippier was a beneficiary of Southgate's faith in his proven troops, the Atletico Madrid right-back earning a recall ahead of Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold. Trippier was caught out of position early on when Marcelinho got in behind him and picked out Wanderson for a shot that was too close to England keeper Jordan Pickford. That was the low point of a subdued start from England, but Bulgaria, adopting a defensive 4-5-1 formation, were so cautious that they allowed Southgate's men to gradually find their rhythm. Kane had the ball in the net from Sterling's cross in the 19th minute, but the captain's close-range effort was correctly ruled out for offside. Farcical defending Kane didn't have to wait long for his first goal as he capitalised on Bulgaria's farcical defending in the 24th minute. Recklessly trying to play inside their own penalty area, Bulgaria were caught out as Georgi Sarmov's backpass to Plamen Iliev prompted the keeper to hurriedly poke towards Vasil Bozhikov. Sterling sensed Bulgaria's panic and nipped in to alertly steal possession before clipping his pass back towards Kane, who slotted into the empty net from close-range. The inclusion of Everton's Michael Keane alongside Harry Maguire at the heart of England's defence underlined a lack of depth at that position. Keane has suffered from injury and confidence issues since he left Burnley two years ago, while Maguire had to go off for a few minutes during the warm-up after accidentally clashing heads with team-mate Declan Rice. Neither looked sharp when Galin Ivanov found space between them to meet Strahil Popov's cross, only for the winger to waste his golden opportunity to equalise by nodding a weak header straight at Pickford. Bulgaria squandered another chance immediately after half-time when Wanderson was granted time and space for a shot that Pickford repelled at his near post. England were roused by that escape and killed off the visitors in the 49th minute. Marcus Rashford's incisive raid carried him into the Bulgaria area, where he was tripped by Nikolay Bodurov, earning a penalty that Kane dispatched with ease. With Bulgaria by now well out of their depth, England bagged a third goal in the 55th minute as Rashford fed Kane and his cross was bundled in by Sterling on the goal-line. Sancho and Mount came on in the closing stages, but it was Kane who hogged the spotlight. He completed his treble in the 73rd minute, drilling in his second penalty after winning the spot-kick himself with a rampaging run that was ended by a foul from Kristian Dimitrov.

Harry Kane treble fires England in Bulgaria rout

Russia recovered from conceding an early goal to beat Scotland 2-1 away in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier on Friday.

John McGinn raised Scottish hopes by knocking in a loose ball for his first international goal after 11 minutes but Russia fought their way back into the game and Artem Dzyuba equalised five minutes before halftime.

Scotland repeatedly lost possession and were made to pay in the 59th minute when another pass was intercepted, Aleksandr Golovin sped away and cut the ball back into the middle where Stephen O'Donnell turned it into his own net.

Russia twice hit the woodwork as they continued to catch Scotland on the break.

Russia, who have 12 points from five games, stayed second, three points behind Belgium who maintained their 100 percent record with a 4-0 win in San Marino. Scotland stay on six.

Michy Batshuayi put Belgium ahead with a penalty two minutes before halftime and Dries Mertens, Nacer Chadli and Batshuayi added further goals in the second half.

Cyprus and third-placed Kazakhstan drew 1-1 in the group's other game, leaving them on four and seven points respectively.

Russia recovered from conceding an early goal to beat Scotland 2-1 away in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier on Friday. John McGinn raised Scottish hopes by knocking in a loose ball for his first international goal after 11 minutes but Russia fought their way back into the game and Artem Dzyuba equalised five minutes before halftime.

Russia recovered from conceding an early goal to beat Scotland 2-1 away in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier on Friday. John McGinn raised Scottish hopes by knocking in a loose ball for his first international goal after 11 minutes but Russia fought their way back into the game and Artem Dzyuba equalised five minutes before halftime. Scotland repeatedly lost possession and were made to pay in the 59th minute when another pass was intercepted, Aleksandr Golovin sped away and cut the ball back into the middle where Stephen O'Donnell turned it into his own net. Russia twice hit the woodwork as they continued to catch Scotland on the break. Russia, who have 12 points from five games, stayed second, three points behind Belgium who maintained their 100 percent record with a 4-0 win in San Marino. Scotland stay on six. Michy Batshuayi put Belgium ahead with a penalty two minutes before halftime and Dries Mertens, Nacer Chadli and Batshuayi added further goals in the second half. Cyprus and third-placed Kazakhstan drew 1-1 in the group's other game, leaving them on four and seven points respectively.

Russia hit back to beat Scotland in Euro qualifier

This week's Nations League finals and Euro 2020 qualifiers will not feature changes to the laws of the game which officially came into effect from June, European soccer governing body UEFA said on Tuesday.

UEFA said the new rules, including red and yellow cards for team officials and a "clearer" wording of the handball rule, would be introduced into its competitions from June 25 in line with "dispensation" from soccer's rule-making body IFAB.

Other changes to the rules set to be introduced include a ban attacking players disrupting the opposition's defensive wall at free kicks - they must now be one metre away from the wall - and an attempt to cut down on time-wasting by forcing substituted players to leave the pitch at the nearest boundary.

This would stop the practice of substituted players delaying play by wandering across the pitch to their bench and shaking hands with teammates and match officials on the way.

"To avoid any disruption due to limited preparation time and any resulting lack of awareness of the substantial number of changes to the Laws of the Game, UEFA has decided to time the implementation to coincide with the start of the new season," it said in a statement.

UEFA said the changes would be introduced from the preliminary round of the 2019/20 Champions League, starting on June 25, and would feature in the Euro 2020 qualifiers in September.

Under the new handball rules, free kicks will be awarded in some situations even if the handball is clearly accidental.

These include the ball going into the goal after touching an attacking player's hand or arm, a player scoring or creating a scoring chance after gaining control of the ball by using their hand or arm and the ball touching the hand or arm of a player who has made their body "unnaturally bigger".

IFAB says in its guidelines that "football does not accept a goal being scored by a hand/arm (even if accidental)".

However, if a player is falling and the ball touches their hand or arm when it is between their body and the ground, it will not be considered handball. The same will apply when the ball rebounds onto the hand or arm from another part of the player's body.

This week's Nations League finals and Euro 2020 qualifiers will not feature changes to the laws of the game which officially came into effect from June, European soccer governing body UEFA said on Tuesday.

This week's Nations League finals and Euro 2020 qualifiers will not feature changes to the laws of the game which officially came into effect from June, European soccer governing body UEFA said on Tuesday. UEFA said the new rules, including red and yellow cards for team officials and a "clearer" wording of the handball rule, would be introduced into its competitions from June 25 in line with "dispensation" from soccer's rule-making body IFAB. Other changes to the rules set to be introduced include a ban attacking players disrupting the opposition's defensive wall at free kicks - they must now be one metre away from the wall - and an attempt to cut down on time-wasting by forcing substituted players to leave the pitch at the nearest boundary. This would stop the practice of substituted players delaying play by wandering across the pitch to their bench and shaking hands with teammates and match officials on the way. "To avoid any disruption due to limited preparation time and any resulting lack of awareness of the substantial number of changes to the Laws of the Game, UEFA has decided to time the implementation to coincide with the start of the new season," it said in a statement. UEFA said the changes would be introduced from the preliminary round of the 2019/20 Champions League, starting on June 25, and would feature in the Euro 2020 qualifiers in September. Under the new handball rules, free kicks will be awarded in some situations even if the handball is clearly accidental. These include the ball going into the goal after touching an attacking player's hand or arm, a player scoring or creating a scoring chance after gaining control of the ball by using their hand or arm and the ball touching the hand or arm of a player who has made their body "unnaturally bigger". IFAB says in its guidelines that "football does not accept a goal being scored by a hand/arm (even if accidental)". However, if a player is falling and the ball touches their hand or arm when it is between their body and the ground, it will not be considered handball. The same will apply when the ball rebounds onto the hand or arm from another part of the player's body.

UEFA confirms new laws will not be implemented at Nations League

Teenager Moise Kean scored three minutes after coming on as a substitute to give Juventus a 1-0 win over lowly Empoli after the runaway Serie A leaders had been jeered off at halftime on Saturday.

The 19-year-old continued an impressive run of form which has seen him score three goals in five Serie A appearances this season and in both of Italy's Euro 2020 qualifiers this month, against Finland and Liechtenstein.

Juventus, missing Cristiano Ronaldo after he suffered a thigh injury in Portugal's 1-1 draw with Serbia on Monday and Paulo Dybala after he pulled up during the warm-up, struggled to break down the visitors until Kean struck in the 72nd minute. Giorgio Chiellini played a long ball out of his own half and Mario Mandzukic headed it into the path of Kean who fired past Bartlomiej Dragowski.

Juventus have 78 points, 18 clear of second-placed Napoli who visit AS Roma on Sunday. Empoli are 17th with 25 points, one point and one place above the relegation zone.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri tried to keep Kean's feet firmly on the ground.

"Kean has quality but he has to improve in lots of areas and his willingness to make sacrifices will make the difference," he said. "So many players have lost their way along the road."

He added that Kean was not ready to start the match after his week with the national team.

"He scored two goals for Italy in as many games and having all that attention uses up a lot of energy both physically and mentally," he said. "He returned from the international break and looked like he barely knew where he was."

Empoli had enjoyed the better of the first half, angering the home crowd, and Rade Krunic was twice close to giving them a shock lead.

"The crowd were right because we didn't play well," said Allegri, referring to the fans' reaction.

Juventus, who lost their unbeaten league record in their previous outing when they were beaten 2-0 at Genoa, showed more signs of life after halftime as Federico Bernardeschi crashed an acrobatic volley against the crossbar.

Kean's entrance in the 69th minute got the biggest cheer of the evening up to that point and he could have had a second goal when he got clear of the Empoli defence but was foiled by Dragowski.

Teenager Moise Kean scored three minutes after coming on as a substitute to give Juventus a 1-0 win over lowly Empoli after the runaway Serie A leaders had been jeered off at halftime on Saturday.

Teenager Moise Kean scored three minutes after coming on as a substitute to give Juventus a 1-0 win over lowly Empoli after the runaway Serie A leaders had been jeered off at halftime on Saturday. The 19-year-old continued an impressive run of form which has seen him score three goals in five Serie A appearances this season and in both of Italy's Euro 2020 qualifiers this month, against Finland and Liechtenstein. Juventus, missing Cristiano Ronaldo after he suffered a thigh injury in Portugal's 1-1 draw with Serbia on Monday and Paulo Dybala after he pulled up during the warm-up, struggled to break down the visitors until Kean struck in the 72nd minute. Giorgio Chiellini played a long ball out of his own half and Mario Mandzukic headed it into the path of Kean who fired past Bartlomiej Dragowski. Juventus have 78 points, 18 clear of second-placed Napoli who visit AS Roma on Sunday. Empoli are 17th with 25 points, one point and one place above the relegation zone. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri tried to keep Kean's feet firmly on the ground. "Kean has quality but he has to improve in lots of areas and his willingness to make sacrifices will make the difference," he said. "So many players have lost their way along the road." He added that Kean was not ready to start the match after his week with the national team. "He scored two goals for Italy in as many games and having all that attention uses up a lot of energy both physically and mentally," he said. "He returned from the international break and looked like he barely knew where he was." Empoli had enjoyed the better of the first half, angering the home crowd, and Rade Krunic was twice close to giving them a shock lead. "The crowd were right because we didn't play well," said Allegri, referring to the fans' reaction. Juventus, who lost their unbeaten league record in their previous outing when they were beaten 2-0 at Genoa, showed more signs of life after halftime as Federico Bernardeschi crashed an acrobatic volley against the crossbar. Kean's entrance in the 69th minute got the biggest cheer of the evening up to that point and he could have had a second goal when he got clear of the Empoli defence but was foiled by Dragowski.

Teenager Moise Kean strikes again to break down stubborn Empoli

Portugal paid the price for poor finishing after their captain and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off the pitch with an apparent hamstring problem during their Euro 2020 Group B qualifier against Serbia on Monday.&nbsp;

A 1-1 home draw, which followed a 0-0 stalemate against Ukraine on Friday, left European champions Portugal on two points and Ronaldo on the sidelines after he limped off in the 30th minute of an absorbing contest.&nbsp;

The 34-year-old pulled up after sprinting for the ball and was replaced by midfielder Pizzi with Serbia leading 1-0 through Dusan Tadic's early penalty.&nbsp;

Central midfielder Danilo equalised with a long-range effort in the 42nd minute but the home side missed a string of chances as they lacked Ronaldo's killer instinct against a rugged Serbian defence.&nbsp;

Ronaldo appeared to be pointing towards his right hamstring as he received treatment near the corner flag.&nbsp;

Speaking later he said, "We played quite well and created lots of chances. We played better than against Ukraine, but when the ball doesn't want to go in, it simply doesn't go in."&nbsp;

Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic played down the impact of Ronaldo's misfortune as he was quick to point out that his injury-hit side missed several key players.&nbsp;

"As far as whether Portugal missed Ronaldo, you must know that we were missing lots of players -- and we do not have a huge selection to choose from, like some countries do," he said.&nbsp;

Ronaldo, whose club Juventus visit Ajax Amsterdam in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on April 10, was making only his second Portugal appearance since last year's World Cup.&nbsp;

Portugal paid the price for poor finishing after their captain and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off the pitch with an apparent hamstring problem during their Euro 2020 Group B qualifier against Serbia on Monday.

Portugal paid the price for poor finishing after their captain and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off the pitch with an apparent hamstring problem during their Euro 2020 Group B qualifier against Serbia on Monday. A 1-1 home draw, which followed a 0-0 stalemate against Ukraine on Friday, left European champions Portugal on two points and Ronaldo on the sidelines after he limped off in the 30th minute of an absorbing contest. The 34-year-old pulled up after sprinting for the ball and was replaced by midfielder Pizzi with Serbia leading 1-0 through Dusan Tadic's early penalty. Central midfielder Danilo equalised with a long-range effort in the 42nd minute but the home side missed a string of chances as they lacked Ronaldo's killer instinct against a rugged Serbian defence. Ronaldo appeared to be pointing towards his right hamstring as he received treatment near the corner flag. Speaking later he said, "We played quite well and created lots of chances. We played better than against Ukraine, but when the ball doesn't want to go in, it simply doesn't go in." Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic played down the impact of Ronaldo's misfortune as he was quick to point out that his injury-hit side missed several key players. "As far as whether Portugal missed Ronaldo, you must know that we were missing lots of players -- and we do not have a huge selection to choose from, like some countries do," he said. Ronaldo, whose club Juventus visit Ajax Amsterdam in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on April 10, was making only his second Portugal appearance since last year's World Cup.

Injured Cristiano Ronaldo limps off in Portugal qualifier

Cristiano Ronaldo does not think <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/injured-cristiano-ronaldo-limps-off-in-portugal-qualifier-205694">the injury which forced him out of Portugal's match</a> against Serbia on Monday is overly serious and he told reporters he expects to return to action in one or two weeks.

Ronaldo went off in the first half of the Euro 2020 qualifier with an apparent hamstring injury. The match ended 1-1.

"I'll know more in 24 or 48 hours," he told reporters.

"It happens, it's football. If you go out in the rain you get wet ... I'm calm, I'll be back in one or two weeks."

A long absence would be a blow to his club Juventus, who signed Ronaldo last year to boost their chances of winning the Champions League. Juventus travel to face Ajax Amsterdam in their quarter-final first leg on April 10 with the return six days later.

Both Ronaldo and coach Fernando Santos said the referee had apologised to them for not awarding a penalty to Portugal

for handball in the second half.

The referee initially gave the spot kick but then changed his mind. VAR is not used in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

"It was very clear, the referee should have given it," said Ronaldo. "The linesman was 40 metres away so it seems a bit strange."

Santos said: "We saw the incident in the dressing room afterwards and neither we nor he had any doubt -- it was a penalty... He apologised."

Cristiano Ronaldo does not think the injury which forced him out of Portugal's match against Serbia on Monday is overly serious and he told reporters he expects to return to action in one or two weeks.

Cristiano Ronaldo does not think the injury which forced him out of Portugal's match against Serbia on Monday is overly serious and he told reporters he expects to return to action in one or two weeks. Ronaldo went off in the first half of the Euro 2020 qualifier with an apparent hamstring injury. The match ended 1-1. "I'll know more in 24 or 48 hours," he told reporters. "It happens, it's football. If you go out in the rain you get wet ... I'm calm, I'll be back in one or two weeks." A long absence would be a blow to his club Juventus, who signed Ronaldo last year to boost their chances of winning the Champions League. Juventus travel to face Ajax Amsterdam in their quarter-final first leg on April 10 with the return six days later. Both Ronaldo and coach Fernando Santos said the referee had apologised to them for not awarding a penalty to Portugal for handball in the second half. The referee initially gave the spot kick but then changed his mind. VAR is not used in the Euro 2020 qualifiers. "It was very clear, the referee should have given it," said Ronaldo. "The linesman was 40 metres away so it seems a bit strange." Santos said: "We saw the incident in the dressing room afterwards and neither we nor he had any doubt -- it was a penalty... He apologised."

Injured Cristiano Ronaldo expects to return in one or two weeks

Eden Hazard marked his 100th cap with an early goal to set Belgium on their way to a comfortable 2-0 away win over Cyprus in their Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday.

Michy Batshuayi got the other goal for the top team in the FIFA rankings, who began their campaign last Thursday with a 3-1 home success over Russia and now have six points from their opening two games in Group I.

Hazard opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a curling shot after Batshuayi had set him up. It was his 30th international goal as the 28-year-old Chelsea star became the third Belgian to reach the 100-cap mark after Jan Vertonghen and Axel Witsel.

Batshuayi doubled the score eight minutes later, running on to a pass over the top of the home defence from Thorgan Hazard, knocking it past the onrushing goalkeeper Urko Pardo and sliding the ball into the empty net from a tight angle.

Belgium, without injured regulars Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Witsel, cruised through the rest of the contest to stretch to 12 games their unbeaten record against the Cypriots, who had beaten San Marino 5-0 at home on Thursday in their opening qualifier.

Earlier on Thursday, Denis Cheryshev scored twice as Russia won 4-0 away in Kazakhstan for their first points of the campaign.

His first-half pair of goals were followed by two more early in the second half in Arana, from Artem Dzyuba and an own goal by Kazakh defender Abzal Beysebekov.

Eden Hazard marked his 100th cap with an early goal to set Belgium on their way to a comfortable 2-0 away win over Cyprus in their Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday.

Eden Hazard marked his 100th cap with an early goal to set Belgium on their way to a comfortable 2-0 away win over Cyprus in their Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday. Michy Batshuayi got the other goal for the top team in the FIFA rankings, who began their campaign last Thursday with a 3-1 home success over Russia and now have six points from their opening two games in Group I. Hazard opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a curling shot after Batshuayi had set him up. It was his 30th international goal as the 28-year-old Chelsea star became the third Belgian to reach the 100-cap mark after Jan Vertonghen and Axel Witsel. Batshuayi doubled the score eight minutes later, running on to a pass over the top of the home defence from Thorgan Hazard, knocking it past the onrushing goalkeeper Urko Pardo and sliding the ball into the empty net from a tight angle. Belgium, without injured regulars Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Witsel, cruised through the rest of the contest to stretch to 12 games their unbeaten record against the Cypriots, who had beaten San Marino 5-0 at home on Thursday in their opening qualifier. Earlier on Thursday, Denis Cheryshev scored twice as Russia won 4-0 away in Kazakhstan for their first points of the campaign. His first-half pair of goals were followed by two more early in the second half in Arana, from Artem Dzyuba and an own goal by Kazakh defender Abzal Beysebekov.

Euro 2020 qualifier: Eden Hazard marks milestone with early goal to help Belgium win

Germany defender Nico Schulz scored a late winner as their new-look side snatched a 3-2 win away to the Netherlands in their opening Euro 2020 Group C qualifier on Sunday, an absorbing clash that swung in fortunes from one side to the other.

Germany had seemed well set for victory after a superb first half produced goals for Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry to give coach Joachim Loew an unexpected fillip as he seeks to restore the flagging fortunes of the 2014 world champions.

But some of the frailties of the last 12 months returned as they let their grip on the game slip, with Memphis Depay laying on a goal for Matthijs de Ligt and then scoring the equaliser himself in another influential display from the in-form forward.

Wing-back Schulz produced the decisive moment of the match though when he netted in the final minute after a fine build-up down the left to re-establish Germany's advantage and claim a crucial victory to get their qualifying campaign underway.

Northern Ireland head the group after goals from Jonny Evans and Josh Magennis gave them a 2-1 win over Belarus on Sunday and a perfect start of six points from two games.

Germany and the Netherlands have three points each, though the latter have now played two matches.

After Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen had denied Gnabry at close range, the visitors hit the front as Schulz provided a low cross from the left from which Sane took a touch and scored with a powerful shot.

A rampant Germany doubled their advantage after 34 minutes as Gnabry twisted his way around Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk before curling a 25-metre shot into the corner of the net, the fifth international goal in six caps for the former Arsenal forward.

The Dutch pulled one back within three minutes of the halftime break though as Depay provided an inviting cross for teenage defender De Ligt to head home his first international goal.

Depay, fresh from two goals and two assists on Thursday against Belarus, levelled the score just past the hour-mark with a low finish into the bottom corner as the visitors failed to clear the loose ball in the box.

It was the second time since November that the Netherlands had come from two goals down to equalise against Germany, and for Depay it was his 11th goal in his last 15 internationals.

But the visitors had the final say as Marco Reus’s pass found an unmarked Schulz in the box and he was able to settle the contest with a low finish that gave Cillessen no chance.

Germany defender Nico Schulz scored a late winner as their new-look side snatched a 3-2 win away to the Netherlands in their opening Euro 2020 Group C qualifier on Sunday, an absorbing clash that swung in fortunes from one side to the other.

Germany defender Nico Schulz scored a late winner as their new-look side snatched a 3-2 win away to the Netherlands in their opening Euro 2020 Group C qualifier on Sunday, an absorbing clash that swung in fortunes from one side to the other. Germany had seemed well set for victory after a superb first half produced goals for Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry to give coach Joachim Loew an unexpected fillip as he seeks to restore the flagging fortunes of the 2014 world champions. But some of the frailties of the last 12 months returned as they let their grip on the game slip, with Memphis Depay laying on a goal for Matthijs de Ligt and then scoring the equaliser himself in another influential display from the in-form forward. Wing-back Schulz produced the decisive moment of the match though when he netted in the final minute after a fine build-up down the left to re-establish Germany's advantage and claim a crucial victory to get their qualifying campaign underway. Northern Ireland head the group after goals from Jonny Evans and Josh Magennis gave them a 2-1 win over Belarus on Sunday and a perfect start of six points from two games. Germany and the Netherlands have three points each, though the latter have now played two matches. After Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen had denied Gnabry at close range, the visitors hit the front as Schulz provided a low cross from the left from which Sane took a touch and scored with a powerful shot. A rampant Germany doubled their advantage after 34 minutes as Gnabry twisted his way around Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk before curling a 25-metre shot into the corner of the net, the fifth international goal in six caps for the former Arsenal forward. The Dutch pulled one back within three minutes of the halftime break though as Depay provided an inviting cross for teenage defender De Ligt to head home his first international goal. Depay, fresh from two goals and two assists on Thursday against Belarus, levelled the score just past the hour-mark with a low finish into the bottom corner as the visitors failed to clear the loose ball in the box. It was the second time since November that the Netherlands had come from two goals down to equalise against Germany, and for Depay it was his 11th goal in his last 15 internationals. But the visitors had the final say as Marco Reus’s pass found an unmarked Schulz in the box and he was able to settle the contest with a low finish that gave Cillessen no chance.

Euro 2020 qualifier: New-look Germany edge Netherlands in thriller

After being cheered to the Wembley rafters during the 5-0 thrashing of the Czech Republic, manager Gareth Southgate expects his young England side to face a more hostile 90 minutes in their second Euro 2020 qualifier in Montenegro on Monday.

The team from the small Balkan state have made life uncomfortable for England before at home and Southgate knows that is likely to be the case again in the Group A clash in Podgorica.

Southgate said he trusted his youngsters to cope, however, and the match would be an important part of their learning curve.

"No hesitation," Southgate told a news conference when asked if he would have any reservations about fielding players such as 18-year-old Jadon Sancho, who started against the Czechs, and Declan Rice and Callum Hudson-Odoi who made substitute cameos on Friday.

"This is part of their education and to be a top team we've got to adapt to every environment we go into.

"Friday at Wembley is always a different experience to going away from home in a qualifier, which is always difficult."

With Eric Dier ruled out through injury, meaning West Ham's Rice, who earned his first England cap on Friday having been permitted to switch allegiance from Ireland, could be in line for a first start in the heart of midfield.

"The make-up of the side will get the best out of the players we have here and available and I think we will have a very strong team out," Southgate said.

"Declan came into the game the other night, which was a great way for him to gain some experience of international football. I would have no hesitation in starting him."

Montenegro earned draws in their previous home games against England in 2010 and 2013 but their manager Ljubisa Tumbakovic said he could find no weaknesses in Southgate's in-form side.

"I'm really trying but I can't," he said. "We in the coaching team who deal with the players are realistic.

"Things that happen in the past are just nice results for Montenegro; tomorrow we will play a match with totally different players, new coaches, with different capabilities and different ideas from both teams.

"The model and the way the (England) national team plays is something special."

England have actually won only one of their four meetings with Montenegro -- 4-1 at Wembley in 2013.

After being cheered to the Wembley rafters during the 5-0 thrashing of the Czech Republic, manager Gareth Southgate expects his young England side to face a more hostile 90 minutes in their second Euro 2020 qualifier in Montenegro on Monday.

After being cheered to the Wembley rafters during the 5-0 thrashing of the Czech Republic, manager Gareth Southgate expects his young England side to face a more hostile 90 minutes in their second Euro 2020 qualifier in Montenegro on Monday. The team from the small Balkan state have made life uncomfortable for England before at home and Southgate knows that is likely to be the case again in the Group A clash in Podgorica. Southgate said he trusted his youngsters to cope, however, and the match would be an important part of their learning curve. "No hesitation," Southgate told a news conference when asked if he would have any reservations about fielding players such as 18-year-old Jadon Sancho, who started against the Czechs, and Declan Rice and Callum Hudson-Odoi who made substitute cameos on Friday. "This is part of their education and to be a top team we've got to adapt to every environment we go into. "Friday at Wembley is always a different experience to going away from home in a qualifier, which is always difficult." With Eric Dier ruled out through injury, meaning West Ham's Rice, who earned his first England cap on Friday having been permitted to switch allegiance from Ireland, could be in line for a first start in the heart of midfield. "The make-up of the side will get the best out of the players we have here and available and I think we will have a very strong team out," Southgate said. "Declan came into the game the other night, which was a great way for him to gain some experience of international football. I would have no hesitation in starting him." Montenegro earned draws in their previous home games against England in 2010 and 2013 but their manager Ljubisa Tumbakovic said he could find no weaknesses in Southgate's in-form side. "I'm really trying but I can't," he said. "We in the coaching team who deal with the players are realistic. "Things that happen in the past are just nice results for Montenegro; tomorrow we will play a match with totally different players, new coaches, with different capabilities and different ideas from both teams. "The model and the way the (England) national team plays is something special." England have actually won only one of their four meetings with Montenegro -- 4-1 at Wembley in 2013.

Euro 2020 qualifier: Gareth Southgate says youngsters will handle hostile Montenegro atmosphere

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