Cristiano Ronaldo moved to within six goals of his international century when he scored in a 3-0 win over Luxembourg on Friday which kept the defending champions on course for the Euro 2020 finals.

The veteran star hit his 94th goal for the Portuguese and took his overall career tally to 699 when he found the target in the second half after Bernardo Silva had opened the scoring in the first period.

The three points kept Portugal in second place in Group B, five points behind Ukraine who defeated Lithuania 2-0.

The two meet in Kiev on Monday.

"In the first 25 minutes we were very good, very dynamic and created chances," said Fernando Santos who was marking his fifth anniversary as Portugal coach.

"Then we lost depth, Luxembourg became more comfortable but never created opportunities. After the break, we started well and I think we quickly controlled the game, but after the second goal, the players started thinking ahead to Ukraine."

Portugal went ahead at the Estadio Jose Alvalade home of Sporting Lisbon in the 16th minute.

Barcelona defender Nelson Semedo's effort was only parried by Luxembourg goalkeeper Anthony Moris and Manchester City midfielder Silva was on hand to sweep in the opener.

It was the second goal in three internationals for Silva who arrived in Portugal under a cloud having been charged with misconduct by the English Football Association over a controversial social media post comparing City teammate Benjamin Mendy with a black cartoon character.

At the other end, it wasn't until the 35th minute that Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio was called into action for the first time to deny Vincent Thill, whose brother Olivier was also in the starting line-up of&nbsp;Luxembourg.

Ronaldo had his first real chance of the second half but his ambitious overhead kick was easily dealt with by Moris.

However, he made no mistake in the 65th minute when he took his international tally to 94 as he stole the ball off Maxime Chanot before lobbing it over Moris.

The 34-year-old is now just 15 goals behind the all-time international record of 109 held by former Iran striker Ali Daei.

There was time for Portugal to add a third in the dying moments through Goncalo Guedes.

Cristiano Ronaldo moved to within six goals of his international century when he scored in a 3-0 win over Luxembourg on Friday which kept the defending champions on course for the Euro 2020 finals.

Cristiano Ronaldo moved to within six goals of his international century when he scored in a 3-0 win over Luxembourg on Friday which kept the defending champions on course for the Euro 2020 finals. The veteran star hit his 94th goal for the Portuguese and took his overall career tally to 699 when he found the target in the second half after Bernardo Silva had opened the scoring in the first period. The three points kept Portugal in second place in Group B, five points behind Ukraine who defeated Lithuania 2-0. The two meet in Kiev on Monday. "In the first 25 minutes we were very good, very dynamic and created chances," said Fernando Santos who was marking his fifth anniversary as Portugal coach. "Then we lost depth, Luxembourg became more comfortable but never created opportunities. After the break, we started well and I think we quickly controlled the game, but after the second goal, the players started thinking ahead to Ukraine." Portugal went ahead at the Estadio Jose Alvalade home of Sporting Lisbon in the 16th minute. Barcelona defender Nelson Semedo's effort was only parried by Luxembourg goalkeeper Anthony Moris and Manchester City midfielder Silva was on hand to sweep in the opener. It was the second goal in three internationals for Silva who arrived in Portugal under a cloud having been charged with misconduct by the English Football Association over a controversial social media post comparing City teammate Benjamin Mendy with a black cartoon character. At the other end, it wasn't until the 35th minute that Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio was called into action for the first time to deny Vincent Thill, whose brother Olivier was also in the starting line-up of Luxembourg. Ronaldo had his first real chance of the second half but his ambitious overhead kick was easily dealt with by Moris. However, he made no mistake in the 65th minute when he took his international tally to 94 as he stole the ball off Maxime Chanot before lobbing it over Moris. The 34-year-old is now just 15 goals behind the all-time international record of 109 held by former Iran striker Ali Daei. There was time for Portugal to add a third in the dying moments through Goncalo Guedes.

Euro 2020: Ronaldo edges closer to century of international goals in Portugal win

England&nbsp;manager Gareth&nbsp;Southgate&nbsp;has said his team will adhere to&nbsp;UEFA's protocols if they are subjected to&nbsp;racist&nbsp;abuse&nbsp;in their Euro 2020 qualifiers but stated that his priority would be to provide a safe environment for his players.

UEFA's three-step protocol if players are racially&nbsp;abused involves the referee first halting play and making an announcement to the supporters to immediately stop&nbsp;racist&nbsp;behaviour.

The second step sees the match suspended for some time and both teams are sent to the dressing room if the&nbsp;abuse&nbsp;continues, with another warning given to the fans. In the third and final step, the referee decides to abandon the match.

"There is the&nbsp;UEFA&nbsp;process and we have to have faith in that process. Then everything else is hypothetical,"&nbsp;Southgate&nbsp;told reporters on Thursday.

"We want the players to be able to concentrate on football, they want to be judged on football. What I've got to do is provide a secure, safe environment for them to play."

England&nbsp;play the Czech Republic on Friday and Bulgaria on Monday.&nbsp;UEFA&nbsp;ordered the partial closure of Bulgaria's Vasil Levski stadium after&nbsp;racist&nbsp;behaviour by their supporters in June's qualifiers against the Czechs and Kosovo.

England&nbsp;striker Tammy Abraham indicated this week that the players could act as a group and leave the pitch if subjected to&nbsp;abuse, regardless of&nbsp;UEFA's protocol.

In response, Bulgarian soccer chief Borislav Mihaylov said&nbsp;England&nbsp;players who walk off the pitch should face punishment if they breach&nbsp;UEFA&nbsp;protocol and&nbsp;Southgate&nbsp;tried to defuse the situation.

"We are not trying to create a situation at all, far from it,"&nbsp;Southgate&nbsp;said. "We're all hoping that over the next 72 hours, we're just talking about two football matches.

"I think both countries would have a strong desire for that and I have to say again, we don't look at other countries in a way that we don't shine a mirror on our own."

Southgate&nbsp;was referring to a National League game last month between Hartlepool and Dover which was suspended for more than 10 minutes after alleged&nbsp;racist&nbsp;abuse&nbsp;from the supporters.

"What happened in Hartlepool a couple of weeks ago was probably worse than things I've seen or heard about in many other countries in the world,"&nbsp;Southgate&nbsp;added. "So, I think we have to be very careful in how we cover everything."

England, who have a game in hand, are top of Group A with 12 points from four games. The Czech Republic is second with nine points and Bulgaria bottom with two.

England manager Gareth Southgate has said his team will adhere to UEFA's protocols if they are subjected to racist abuse in their Euro 2020 qualifiers but stated that his priority would be to provide a safe environment for his players.

England manager Gareth Southgate has said his team will adhere to UEFA's protocols if they are subjected to racist abuse in their Euro 2020 qualifiers but stated that his priority would be to provide a safe environment for his players. UEFA's three-step protocol if players are racially abused involves the referee first halting play and making an announcement to the supporters to immediately stop racist behaviour. The second step sees the match suspended for some time and both teams are sent to the dressing room if the abuse continues, with another warning given to the fans. In the third and final step, the referee decides to abandon the match. "There is the UEFA process and we have to have faith in that process. Then everything else is hypothetical," Southgate told reporters on Thursday. "We want the players to be able to concentrate on football, they want to be judged on football. What I've got to do is provide a secure, safe environment for them to play." England play the Czech Republic on Friday and Bulgaria on Monday. UEFA ordered the partial closure of Bulgaria's Vasil Levski stadium after racist behaviour by their supporters in June's qualifiers against the Czechs and Kosovo. England striker Tammy Abraham indicated this week that the players could act as a group and leave the pitch if subjected to abuse, regardless of UEFA's protocol. In response, Bulgarian soccer chief Borislav Mihaylov said England players who walk off the pitch should face punishment if they breach UEFA protocol and Southgate tried to defuse the situation. "We are not trying to create a situation at all, far from it," Southgate said. "We're all hoping that over the next 72 hours, we're just talking about two football matches. "I think both countries would have a strong desire for that and I have to say again, we don't look at other countries in a way that we don't shine a mirror on our own." Southgate was referring to a National League game last month between Hartlepool and Dover which was suspended for more than 10 minutes after alleged racist abuse from the supporters. "What happened in Hartlepool a couple of weeks ago was probably worse than things I've seen or heard about in many other countries in the world," Southgate added. "So, I think we have to be very careful in how we cover everything." England, who have a game in hand, are top of Group A with 12 points from four games. The Czech Republic is second with nine points and Bulgaria bottom with two.

Have faith in UEFA to deal with racist abuse: England coach Southgate

Croatia&nbsp;remained firmly on&nbsp;course&nbsp;to reach Euro 2020 after two goals from striker Bruno Petkovic helped them to a 3-0 home win over&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;while&nbsp;Wales&nbsp;kept alive their hopes with a 1-1 draw at&nbsp;Slovakia&nbsp;in qualifying Group E on Thursday.

The&nbsp;Croatians top the group with 13 points from six matches and will secure a berth in next year's finals with a match to spare if they beat&nbsp;Wales&nbsp;away on Sunday.

Slovakia&nbsp;are second on 10 points from six matches, one ahead of third-placed&nbsp;Hungary, while&nbsp;Wales&nbsp;are fourth with seven points from five games. The bottom team Azerbaijan has one point from five matches.

The&nbsp;Croatians dominated after captain Luka Modric fired them into a fifth-minute lead when he picked up a loose ball in midfield, raced down the middle and steered a shot past&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

Petkovic made it 2-0 with a delightful back-heel from close range after Ante Rebic left his marker for dead on the left flank and squared the ball to the Dinamo Zagreb hitman.

A catalogue of defensive errors allowed Petkovic to bundle in the third late in the first half, as Tamas Kadar and Gulacsi misjudged Ivan Perisic's low cross from the right.

Gulacsi made amends in the 55th minute when he saved Perisic's penalty after Rebic was fouled but any slim hopes of a&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;comeback were dashed moments later when Laszlo Kleinheisler was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Wales&nbsp;missed a chance to close in on the top two after a sumptuous second-half volley by&nbsp;Slovakia&nbsp;defender Juraj Kucka cancelled out Kieffer Moore's 25th-minute opener.

Moore headed home after Daniel James delivered a fine cross into the penalty area but the visitors failed to clear a Peter Pekarik cross in the 53rd minute and Kucka blasted in the equaliser from 20 meters.

Gareth Bale hit the crossbar for&nbsp;Wales&nbsp;with a first-half header and the&nbsp;Slovakians had defender Norbert Gyomber sent off in the 88th minute for a second yellow card after a poor tackle on Moore.

Croatia remained firmly on course to reach Euro 2020 after two goals from striker Bruno Petkovic helped them to a 3-0 home win over Hungary while Wales kept alive their hopes with a 1-1 draw at Slovakia in qualifying Group E on Thursday.

Croatia remained firmly on course to reach Euro 2020 after two goals from striker Bruno Petkovic helped them to a 3-0 home win over Hungary while Wales kept alive their hopes with a 1-1 draw at Slovakia in qualifying Group E on Thursday. The Croatians top the group with 13 points from six matches and will secure a berth in next year's finals with a match to spare if they beat Wales away on Sunday. Slovakia are second on 10 points from six matches, one ahead of third-placed Hungary, while Wales are fourth with seven points from five games. The bottom team Azerbaijan has one point from five matches. The Croatians dominated after captain Luka Modric fired them into a fifth-minute lead when he picked up a loose ball in midfield, raced down the middle and steered a shot past Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. Petkovic made it 2-0 with a delightful back-heel from close range after Ante Rebic left his marker for dead on the left flank and squared the ball to the Dinamo Zagreb hitman. A catalogue of defensive errors allowed Petkovic to bundle in the third late in the first half, as Tamas Kadar and Gulacsi misjudged Ivan Perisic's low cross from the right. Gulacsi made amends in the 55th minute when he saved Perisic's penalty after Rebic was fouled but any slim hopes of a Hungary comeback were dashed moments later when Laszlo Kleinheisler was sent off for a second bookable offence. Wales missed a chance to close in on the top two after a sumptuous second-half volley by Slovakia defender Juraj Kucka cancelled out Kieffer Moore's 25th-minute opener. Moore headed home after Daniel James delivered a fine cross into the penalty area but the visitors failed to clear a Peter Pekarik cross in the 53rd minute and Kucka blasted in the equaliser from 20 meters. Gareth Bale hit the crossbar for Wales with a first-half header and the Slovakians had defender Norbert Gyomber sent off in the 88th minute for a second yellow card after a poor tackle on Moore.

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Croatia thump Hungary to stay on course, Slovakia hold Wales

Memphis Depay scored twice, and Luuk de Jong was also on target as the Netherlands&nbsp;came back from a goal down with 10 minutes left to&nbsp;beat&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;3-1 in their Euro 2020 qualifier in Rotterdam on Thursday.

It was a fortunate escape for the home side who fell behind when Josh Magennis gave&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;the lead in the 75th minute after a stout defensive performance had frustrated the hosts.

Yet the&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;responded with an equaliser from Depay in the 80th minute and then two stoppage-time&nbsp;goals&nbsp;that put them in a three-way tie at the top of Group C.

Netherlands, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/germany-edge-northern-ireland-to-restore-euro-2020-order-248768">Germany and&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;</a>all have 12 points, although the Irish have played a game more.

Substitute Magennis rose high to head home Stuart Dallas’s cross as the&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;paid the price for sloppy defending.

Daley Blind miscued two attempted clearances and was then&nbsp;beaten by Dallas, whose cross was expertly met by Magennis as he rose above Matthijs de Ligt to score.

Depay toe-poked home the equaliser from a square ball by Donyell Malen that eluded the&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;Irish defence, as the visitors' lead lasted just five minutes.

Then, as the game went into stoppage time, substitute De Jong needed two chances before finishing at the back post before Depay made sure of a vital three points with another goal after being set up by Frenkie de Jong.

“How we reacted was great,” said&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;captain Virgil van Dijk.

“We were patient, we kept looking for&nbsp;goals&nbsp;and we got our reward for our second-half performance where we put on the pressure.

“In the end, it was a deserved win with an outstanding reaction,” he told NOS.

Yet it was a frustrating night for the&nbsp;Dutch, who did not manage an effort on the visitors' goal until just before the half-hour mark when Steven Bergwijn's shot was blocked.

It took 44 minutes before&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell actually had to make an intervention, easily collecting the ball as Georginio Wijnaldum’s attempted header looped up into the air.

The&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;ratcheted up the pressure in the second half when Donny van de Beek came on, with center-back Jonny Evans clearing his lines in the 71st minute as Wijnaldum looked to steer the ball home from a difficult angle.

Yet then Magennis silenced the home fans before the&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;picked themselves up for a grand finale.

Earlier on Thursday, bottom team Estonia picked up their first point with a goalless draw away in Minsk against Belarus.

The pair are already out of contention in the group with Belarus second from bottom on four points after six games.

Memphis Depay scored twice, and Luuk de Jong was also on target as the Netherlands came back from a goal down with 10 minutes left to beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in their Euro 2020 qualifier in Rotterdam on Thursday.

Memphis Depay scored twice, and Luuk de Jong was also on target as the Netherlands came back from a goal down with 10 minutes left to beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in their Euro 2020 qualifier in Rotterdam on Thursday. It was a fortunate escape for the home side who fell behind when Josh Magennis gave Northern Ireland the lead in the 75th minute after a stout defensive performance had frustrated the hosts. Yet the Dutch responded with an equaliser from Depay in the 80th minute and then two stoppage-time goals that put them in a three-way tie at the top of Group C. Netherlands, Germany and Northern Ireland all have 12 points, although the Irish have played a game more. Substitute Magennis rose high to head home Stuart Dallas’s cross as the Dutch paid the price for sloppy defending. Daley Blind miscued two attempted clearances and was then beaten by Dallas, whose cross was expertly met by Magennis as he rose above Matthijs de Ligt to score. Depay toe-poked home the equaliser from a square ball by Donyell Malen that eluded the Northern Irish defence, as the visitors' lead lasted just five minutes. Then, as the game went into stoppage time, substitute De Jong needed two chances before finishing at the back post before Depay made sure of a vital three points with another goal after being set up by Frenkie de Jong. “How we reacted was great,” said Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk. “We were patient, we kept looking for goals and we got our reward for our second-half performance where we put on the pressure. “In the end, it was a deserved win with an outstanding reaction,” he told NOS. Yet it was a frustrating night for the Dutch, who did not manage an effort on the visitors' goal until just before the half-hour mark when Steven Bergwijn's shot was blocked. It took 44 minutes before Northern Ireland goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell actually had to make an intervention, easily collecting the ball as Georginio Wijnaldum’s attempted header looped up into the air. The Dutch ratcheted up the pressure in the second half when Donny van de Beek came on, with center-back Jonny Evans clearing his lines in the 71st minute as Wijnaldum looked to steer the ball home from a difficult angle. Yet then Magennis silenced the home fans before the Dutch picked themselves up for a grand finale. Earlier on Thursday, bottom team Estonia picked up their first point with a goalless draw away in Minsk against Belarus. The pair are already out of contention in the group with Belarus second from bottom on four points after six games.

Euro 2020 qualifier: Dutch grab late goals to beat Northern Ireland

Belgium&nbsp;became the&nbsp;first&nbsp;side through to the&nbsp;Euro&nbsp;2020&nbsp;finals&nbsp;after&nbsp;thrashing San Marino 9-0 on Thursday with Romelu Lukaku scoring his 50th and 51st international goals.

Russia was on the verge of joining the world's top-ranked nation as second qualifiers from Group I&nbsp;after&nbsp;running out 4-0&nbsp;winners at home to Scotland with all the goals coming in the second half.

Unbeaten&nbsp;Belgium&nbsp;has 21 points from seven games, with only one goal conceded, while Russia has 18 and Cyprus, 2-1&nbsp;winners over Kazakhstan in Astana, are on 10. The top two qualify directly.

San Marino managed to keep a clean sheet for 27 minutes against the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists before, as expected, the floodgates opened at Brussels's King Baudouin Stadium and the goals poured in for Roberto Martinez's side.

Inter Milan striker Lukaku became the&nbsp;first&nbsp;Belgian to reach a half-century of international goals with a right-footed shot to open the scoring.

He set up Nacer Chadli three minutes later before an own-goal from Cristian Brolli put&nbsp;Belgium&nbsp;3-0 up in the 35th.

Lukaku grabbed his second on 41 minutes assisted by Real Madrid's Eden Hazard.

"It's nice to be so good in the national&nbsp;team, but at the end of the day I want to&nbsp;win&nbsp;a trophy with&nbsp;Belgium," Lukaku told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

A deflected Toby Alderweireld effort in the 43rd minute and a Youri Tielemens shot in stoppage time saw&nbsp;Belgium&nbsp;cruise in 6-0 up at the break.

The pace slowed before Christian Benteke broke his three-year international drought by coming off the bench to score three minutes later, in the 79th, by wrong-footing the goalkeeper from the edge of the area.

Yari Verschaeren, 18, came off the bench to score his&nbsp;first&nbsp;senior goal from the penalty spot to make it 8-0 in the 84th and Timothy Castagne rounded off the tally in the 90th minute.

"We wanted the 10th, but we didn't get it, unfortunately," said Hazard.

"We started well, we had some chances and could have scored sooner. But we know that in this kind of game you have to be patient."

Russia dominated possession at the Luzhniki stadium but were frustrated throughout the&nbsp;first&nbsp;half by a Scotland side that failed to muster a single shot on target.

The Scots, who can no longer qualify automatically but remain in contention through the playoffs, crumbled&nbsp;after&nbsp;the break.

Artem Dzyuba made the breakthrough for Russia on the volley in the 57th and a second followed three minutes later when Magomed Ozdoev blasted a long-range screamer past David Marshall.

Dzyuba headed in his second in the 70th minute, with an Aleksandr Golovin shot going in off the post in the 84th, as Russia cruised to a comfortable&nbsp;win.

Belgium became the first side through to the Euro 2020 finals after thrashing San Marino 9-0 on Thursday with Romelu Lukaku scoring his 50th and 51st international goals.

Belgium became the first side through to the Euro 2020 finals after thrashing San Marino 9-0 on Thursday with Romelu Lukaku scoring his 50th and 51st international goals. Russia was on the verge of joining the world's top-ranked nation as second qualifiers from Group I after running out 4-0 winners at home to Scotland with all the goals coming in the second half. Unbeaten Belgium has 21 points from seven games, with only one goal conceded, while Russia has 18 and Cyprus, 2-1 winners over Kazakhstan in Astana, are on 10. The top two qualify directly. San Marino managed to keep a clean sheet for 27 minutes against the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists before, as expected, the floodgates opened at Brussels's King Baudouin Stadium and the goals poured in for Roberto Martinez's side. Inter Milan striker Lukaku became the first Belgian to reach a half-century of international goals with a right-footed shot to open the scoring. He set up Nacer Chadli three minutes later before an own-goal from Cristian Brolli put Belgium 3-0 up in the 35th. Lukaku grabbed his second on 41 minutes assisted by Real Madrid's Eden Hazard. "It's nice to be so good in the national team, but at the end of the day I want to win a trophy with Belgium," Lukaku told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. A deflected Toby Alderweireld effort in the 43rd minute and a Youri Tielemens shot in stoppage time saw Belgium cruise in 6-0 up at the break. The pace slowed before Christian Benteke broke his three-year international drought by coming off the bench to score three minutes later, in the 79th, by wrong-footing the goalkeeper from the edge of the area. Yari Verschaeren, 18, came off the bench to score his first senior goal from the penalty spot to make it 8-0 in the 84th and Timothy Castagne rounded off the tally in the 90th minute. "We wanted the 10th, but we didn't get it, unfortunately," said Hazard. "We started well, we had some chances and could have scored sooner. But we know that in this kind of game you have to be patient." Russia dominated possession at the Luzhniki stadium but were frustrated throughout the first half by a Scotland side that failed to muster a single shot on target. The Scots, who can no longer qualify automatically but remain in contention through the playoffs, crumbled after the break. Artem Dzyuba made the breakthrough for Russia on the volley in the 57th and a second followed three minutes later when Magomed Ozdoev blasted a long-range screamer past David Marshall. Dzyuba headed in his second in the 70th minute, with an Aleksandr Golovin shot going in off the post in the 84th, as Russia cruised to a comfortable win.

Belgium first team to enter Euro 2020 finals after thrashing San Marino

Austria&nbsp;defender Martin&nbsp;Hinteregger&nbsp;scored a goal that any striker would have been proud of to set up a 3-1 win over&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;in Euro 2020 qualifying on Thursday.

The&nbsp;Austrians moved into second place in Group G above Slovenia, who were surprised 2-1 away to North Macedonia with an Eljif Elmas brace, while a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick gave leaders Poland a comfortable 3-0 win away to basement side Latvia.

The top two in the six-team group qualify for Euro 2020.

Austria&nbsp;made a slow start in front of a half-full Ernst Happel Stadium and were stunned when Eran Zahavi, scorer of a hat-trick in&nbsp;Israel's 4-2 win in the first meeting of the two teams in the group, but the visitors in front with a sublime effort in the 34th minute.

Munas Dabbur threaded the ball through to Zahavi who side-stepped his marker and lashed a dipping shot into the top corner from 25 meters.

Valentino Lazaro slotted in the equaliser from Marco Arnautovic's pass seven minutes later and&nbsp;Austria&nbsp;went ahead 11 minutes after the break.

Andreas Ulmer thumped a cross into the area where&nbsp;Hinteregger, between two defenders, controlled the ball on his thigh, turned and sent his effort past keeper Ofir Marciano

Marcel Sabitzer added the third with a deflected shot in the 88th minute to leave&nbsp;Austria&nbsp;second with 13 points from seven games, two ahead of North Macedonia and Slovenia. Poland lead with 16 and&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;is fifth with eight.

Slovenia nearly took a first-half lead in Skopje when Josip Ilicic ran the from near the halfway line and cut the ball back to Andraz Sporar whose effort was deflected wide.

Five minutes after the break, Elmas played a one-two with veteran Goran Pandev and dinked the ball over Jan Oblak to put North Macedonia in front.

A Slovenia corner lead to the second goal in the 68th minute. As the ball was cleared, North Macedonia burst forward and Arijan Ademi found Elmas who ran on and slipped a calm finish under Oblak. Ilicic's stoppage-time penalty was too late for Slovenia.

The prolific Lewandowski took his tally to 11 goals in his last seven appearances for club and country with his treble against Latvia.

He exchanged passes with Sebastian Szymanski and&nbsp;beat&nbsp;keeper Andris Vanins after nine minutes and then turned in Kamil Grosicki's low cross after Latvia was dispossessed in midfield.

He completed his sixth Poland hat-trick by tapping in Grosicki's cross-shot in the 76th minute.

Latvia, who have lost all seven games in the group, extended their winless run to 15 internationals.

Austria defender Martin Hinteregger scored a goal that any striker would have been proud of to set up a 3-1 win over Israel in Euro 2020 qualifying on Thursday. The Austrians moved into second place in Group G above Slovenia, who were surprised 2-1 away to North Macedonia with an Eljif Elmas brace, while a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick gave leaders Poland a comfortable 3-0 win away to basement side Latvia.

Austria defender Martin Hinteregger scored a goal that any striker would have been proud of to set up a 3-1 win over Israel in Euro 2020 qualifying on Thursday. The Austrians moved into second place in Group G above Slovenia, who were surprised 2-1 away to North Macedonia with an Eljif Elmas brace, while a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick gave leaders Poland a comfortable 3-0 win away to basement side Latvia. The top two in the six-team group qualify for Euro 2020. Austria made a slow start in front of a half-full Ernst Happel Stadium and were stunned when Eran Zahavi, scorer of a hat-trick in Israel's 4-2 win in the first meeting of the two teams in the group, but the visitors in front with a sublime effort in the 34th minute. Munas Dabbur threaded the ball through to Zahavi who side-stepped his marker and lashed a dipping shot into the top corner from 25 meters. Valentino Lazaro slotted in the equaliser from Marco Arnautovic's pass seven minutes later and Austria went ahead 11 minutes after the break. Andreas Ulmer thumped a cross into the area where Hinteregger, between two defenders, controlled the ball on his thigh, turned and sent his effort past keeper Ofir Marciano Marcel Sabitzer added the third with a deflected shot in the 88th minute to leave Austria second with 13 points from seven games, two ahead of North Macedonia and Slovenia. Poland lead with 16 and Israel is fifth with eight. Slovenia nearly took a first-half lead in Skopje when Josip Ilicic ran the from near the halfway line and cut the ball back to Andraz Sporar whose effort was deflected wide. Five minutes after the break, Elmas played a one-two with veteran Goran Pandev and dinked the ball over Jan Oblak to put North Macedonia in front. A Slovenia corner lead to the second goal in the 68th minute. As the ball was cleared, North Macedonia burst forward and Arijan Ademi found Elmas who ran on and slipped a calm finish under Oblak. Ilicic's stoppage-time penalty was too late for Slovenia. The prolific Lewandowski took his tally to 11 goals in his last seven appearances for club and country with his treble against Latvia. He exchanged passes with Sebastian Szymanski and beat keeper Andris Vanins after nine minutes and then turned in Kamil Grosicki's low cross after Latvia was dispossessed in midfield. He completed his sixth Poland hat-trick by tapping in Grosicki's cross-shot in the 76th minute. Latvia, who have lost all seven games in the group, extended their winless run to 15 internationals.

Euro 2020 qualifier: Martin Hinteregger unlikely hero as Austria beat Israel

France striker Kylian&nbsp;Mbappe&nbsp;has been&nbsp;ruled&nbsp;out&nbsp;of their&nbsp;Euro&nbsp;2020&nbsp;qualifiers&nbsp;against Iceland and Turkey through injury, the French football federation said on Tuesday.

Paris St Germain's&nbsp;Mbappe, who has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-lose-mbappe-for-a-month-with-hamstring-injury-cavani-out-for-three-weeks-245837">struggling with a recurring thigh problem</a>, has been replaced in the squad by Borussia Moenchengladbach forward Alassane Plea.

France travel to Iceland in Group H on Friday before hosting Turkey at the Stade de France on Monday.

The world champions are second in Group H on 15 points, behind Turkey by virtue of their defeat in Konya last June, while Iceland is third with 12 points after six matches.

France striker Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of their Euro 2020 qualifiers against Iceland and Turkey through injury, the French football federation said on Tuesday.

France striker Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of their Euro 2020 qualifiers against Iceland and Turkey through injury, the French football federation said on Tuesday. Paris St Germain's Mbappe, who has been struggling with a recurring thigh problem, has been replaced in the squad by Borussia Moenchengladbach forward Alassane Plea. France travel to Iceland in Group H on Friday before hosting Turkey at the Stade de France on Monday. The world champions are second in Group H on 15 points, behind Turkey by virtue of their defeat in Konya last June, while Iceland is third with 12 points after six matches.

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Mbappe ruled out against Iceland, Turkey due to injury

England&nbsp;has&nbsp;called&nbsp;up&nbsp;Sheffield United goalkeeper&nbsp;Dean&nbsp;Henderson&nbsp;for the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time following Tom&nbsp;Heaton's withdrawal through injury for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, the FA said on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old&nbsp;Henderson, on loan at Sheffield United from Manchester United, will link&nbsp;up&nbsp;with Gareth Southgate’s 24-man squad on Wednesday after&nbsp;Heaton&nbsp;returned to Aston Villa after suffering the injury in their win at Norwich City last weekend.

Henderson&nbsp;was criticised by his club manager Chris Wilder after gifting Premier League leaders Liverpool the only goal in a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane on Sept. 28, watched by Southgate, but responded with a clean sheet in the draw at Watford on Saturday.

Henderson, who has featured for&nbsp;England&nbsp;from under-16 through to under-21 level, will travel to the Czech Republic and Bulgaria with goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope for the Group&nbsp;A qualifiers on Friday and Monday respectively.

England&nbsp;are top of the section with a perfect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harry-kane-treble-fires-england-in-bulgaria-rout-248333">12 points from four matches</a> and will qualify for next year's finals with a win over the second-placed Czechs, who have nine points from five games. Bulgaria are bottom of the group&nbsp;with two from five.

England has called up Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson for the first time following Tom Heaton's withdrawal through injury for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, the FA said on Tuesday.

England has called up Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson for the first time following Tom Heaton's withdrawal through injury for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, the FA said on Tuesday. The 22-year-old Henderson, on loan at Sheffield United from Manchester United, will link up with Gareth Southgate’s 24-man squad on Wednesday after Heaton returned to Aston Villa after suffering the injury in their win at Norwich City last weekend. Henderson was criticised by his club manager Chris Wilder after gifting Premier League leaders Liverpool the only goal in a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane on Sept. 28, watched by Southgate, but responded with a clean sheet in the draw at Watford on Saturday. Henderson, who has featured for England from under-16 through to under-21 level, will travel to the Czech Republic and Bulgaria with goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope for the Group A qualifiers on Friday and Monday respectively. England are top of the section with a perfect 12 points from four matches and will qualify for next year's finals with a win over the second-placed Czechs, who have nine points from five games. Bulgaria are bottom of the group with two from five.

Euro 2020 qualifiers: England call keeper Henderson as Heaton withdraws

Germany beat hosts Northern Ireland 2-0 on Monday with two goals in the second half to get their Euro 2020 qualification on track as they bounced back from last week's loss to the Netherlands to take over top spot in Group C.

Defender Marcel Halstenberg drilled the ball in three minutes after the restart following a lacklustre first half by the Germans, who lost 4-2 at home to the Dutch on Friday.

Serge Gnabry continued his impressive scoring run for Germany, netting in second-half stoppage time for his ninth goal in his 10th international, completing Germany's eighth consecutive win over Northern Ireland.

The win put Germany on 12 points from five games, ahead on goal difference of second-placed Northern Ireland, who suffered their first loss of the campaign as captain Steven Davis became their most capped outfield player with 113 appearances.

The third-placed Netherlands, 4-0 winners away to Estonia on Monday, are on nine points from four matches.

"We were under pressure to win after Friday's result and we had to overcome some obstacles in the first half," Germany coach Joachim Loew told reporters. "The Northern Irish attacked early and disrupted our game. After the break we did it better."

The Germans, missing half a dozen injured players, seemed to lack a clear game plan in the first half with plenty of passing but struggling to find ways to open up the Irish defence.

Loew's young team, looking to recover from last year's shock first-round World Cup exit and Nations League relegation, have not had enough match practice and it showed.

"We had never played before with this line-up," Loew said. "So we will need some patience because this a learning process."

Conor Washington had a golden chance to put the hosts ahead in the seventh minute when he pounced on a rare Toni Kroos mistake but fired straight at charging goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Timo Werner had the visitors' best chance before the break but his close-range effort was saved by Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Germany looked to be feeling the effects of Friday's loss with the Irish working hard to stifle their attacks early.

"We managed to stop them building the game and got joy off pressing and winning the ball higher up the pitch," the hosts' coach Michael O'Neill told Sky.

"It's very difficult to do that against this level of opposition. I'm proud of what they gave."

Halstenberg eventually settled German nerves, timing his half-volley to perfection as he angled Julian Brandt's cross into the far corner just after the break.

They should have scored again in a scintillating start to the second half but instead had to wait until deep into stoppage for Gnabry to make sure of the three points.

Germany beat hosts Northern Ireland 2-0 on Monday with two goals in the second half to get their Euro 2020 qualification on track as they bounced back from last week's loss to the Netherlands to take over top spot in Group C.

Germany beat hosts Northern Ireland 2-0 on Monday with two goals in the second half to get their Euro 2020 qualification on track as they bounced back from last week's loss to the Netherlands to take over top spot in Group C. Defender Marcel Halstenberg drilled the ball in three minutes after the restart following a lacklustre first half by the Germans, who lost 4-2 at home to the Dutch on Friday. Serge Gnabry continued his impressive scoring run for Germany, netting in second-half stoppage time for his ninth goal in his 10th international, completing Germany's eighth consecutive win over Northern Ireland. The win put Germany on 12 points from five games, ahead on goal difference of second-placed Northern Ireland, who suffered their first loss of the campaign as captain Steven Davis became their most capped outfield player with 113 appearances. The third-placed Netherlands, 4-0 winners away to Estonia on Monday, are on nine points from four matches. "We were under pressure to win after Friday's result and we had to overcome some obstacles in the first half," Germany coach Joachim Loew told reporters. "The Northern Irish attacked early and disrupted our game. After the break we did it better." The Germans, missing half a dozen injured players, seemed to lack a clear game plan in the first half with plenty of passing but struggling to find ways to open up the Irish defence. Loew's young team, looking to recover from last year's shock first-round World Cup exit and Nations League relegation, have not had enough match practice and it showed. "We had never played before with this line-up," Loew said. "So we will need some patience because this a learning process." Conor Washington had a golden chance to put the hosts ahead in the seventh minute when he pounced on a rare Toni Kroos mistake but fired straight at charging goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Timo Werner had the visitors' best chance before the break but his close-range effort was saved by Bailey Peacock-Farrell. Germany looked to be feeling the effects of Friday's loss with the Irish working hard to stifle their attacks early. "We managed to stop them building the game and got joy off pressing and winning the ball higher up the pitch," the hosts' coach Michael O'Neill told Sky. "It's very difficult to do that against this level of opposition. I'm proud of what they gave." Halstenberg eventually settled German nerves, timing his half-volley to perfection as he angled Julian Brandt's cross into the far corner just after the break. They should have scored again in a scintillating start to the second half but instead had to wait until deep into stoppage for Gnabry to make sure of the three points.

Germany edge Northern Ireland to restore Euro 2020 order

European champions Portugal got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign back on track with goals from William Carvalho, Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva helping them to a pulsating 4-2 Group B victory in Serbia on Saturday.

The victory lifted the Portuguese to second place in the group on five points from three games, eight behind runaway leaders Ukraine who have 13 from five matches after their 3-0 win in Lithuania earlier on Saturday.

Third-placed Luxembourg and Serbia in fourth both have four points from as many games while Lithuania are bottom with one point from four matches.

Coach Fernando Santos, who steered Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in France and this year's triumph in the inaugural Nations League, was pleased with his team's performance.

"We showed a lot of creativity and attacking intent in a solid performance required to beat a very good Serbia side," Santos told reporters.

"Getting the opening goal just before halftime was vital and in the second half we controlled the game. We stifled their excellent midfield and deserved the win.

"This win should boost our confidence ahead of Tuesday's visit to Lithuania and nothing less than a win will do because it's a complicated group."

His counterpart Ljubisa Tumbakovic, who replaced Mladen Krstajic on July 1 three weeks after he was sacked by Montenegro, conceded he had endured a sour debut as Serbia coach.

"We lost to a majestic team full of world-class players," said the 67-year old from Belgrade.

"We lacked the final pass in the first half and it didn't help that we fell behind just before the break. As ever in Serbian football, we were vulnerable defensively and that undermines every other department."

Spilled Cross

Portugal dominated the opening half and Carvalho fired them ahead in the 42nd minute when he poked the ball into an empty net from three metres after Serbia keeper Marko Dmitrovic spilled a Bruno Fernandes cross from the right.

Cristiano Ronaldo, looking subdued in the opening half and given a hostile reception at Red Star stadium as Serbian fans jeered him every time he touched the ball, twice came close early in the second half.

He fired inches wide from the edge of the penalty area after cutting in from the left and then curled a free kick narrowly off target before Guedes doubled Portugal's lead with a fine individual effort.

The forward capped a flowing move as he sidestepped a defender and rifled in an unstoppable shot past Dmitrovic into the far corner from 12 metres to silence the raucous home crowd.

Centre back Nikola Milenkovic pulled one back for Serbia in the 68th minute, heading a Dusan Tadic corner past keeper Rui Patricio, who was two minutes later forced to tip a fierce Adem Ljajic shot from 20 metres over the bar.

Taunted by chants of "Messi" from Serbia's die-hard fans, Ronaldo demonstrated his class in the 80th minute when he took a Bernardo Silva pass in his stride and coolly dinked the ball over the advancing Dmitrovic.

Serbia refused to roll over as Aleksandar Mitrovic drove a shot from inside the penalty area into the roof of the net after a defensive blunder in the 85th minute but Silva sealed the contest with a clinical finish barely 60 seconds later.

European champions Portugal got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign back on track with goals from William Carvalho, Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva helping them to a pulsating 4-2 Group B victory in Serbia on Saturday.

European champions Portugal got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign back on track with goals from William Carvalho, Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva helping them to a pulsating 4-2 Group B victory in Serbia on Saturday. The victory lifted the Portuguese to second place in the group on five points from three games, eight behind runaway leaders Ukraine who have 13 from five matches after their 3-0 win in Lithuania earlier on Saturday. Third-placed Luxembourg and Serbia in fourth both have four points from as many games while Lithuania are bottom with one point from four matches. Coach Fernando Santos, who steered Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in France and this year's triumph in the inaugural Nations League, was pleased with his team's performance. "We showed a lot of creativity and attacking intent in a solid performance required to beat a very good Serbia side," Santos told reporters. "Getting the opening goal just before halftime was vital and in the second half we controlled the game. We stifled their excellent midfield and deserved the win. "This win should boost our confidence ahead of Tuesday's visit to Lithuania and nothing less than a win will do because it's a complicated group." His counterpart Ljubisa Tumbakovic, who replaced Mladen Krstajic on July 1 three weeks after he was sacked by Montenegro, conceded he had endured a sour debut as Serbia coach. "We lost to a majestic team full of world-class players," said the 67-year old from Belgrade. "We lacked the final pass in the first half and it didn't help that we fell behind just before the break. As ever in Serbian football, we were vulnerable defensively and that undermines every other department." Spilled Cross Portugal dominated the opening half and Carvalho fired them ahead in the 42nd minute when he poked the ball into an empty net from three metres after Serbia keeper Marko Dmitrovic spilled a Bruno Fernandes cross from the right. Cristiano Ronaldo, looking subdued in the opening half and given a hostile reception at Red Star stadium as Serbian fans jeered him every time he touched the ball, twice came close early in the second half. He fired inches wide from the edge of the penalty area after cutting in from the left and then curled a free kick narrowly off target before Guedes doubled Portugal's lead with a fine individual effort. The forward capped a flowing move as he sidestepped a defender and rifled in an unstoppable shot past Dmitrovic into the far corner from 12 metres to silence the raucous home crowd. Centre back Nikola Milenkovic pulled one back for Serbia in the 68th minute, heading a Dusan Tadic corner past keeper Rui Patricio, who was two minutes later forced to tip a fierce Adem Ljajic shot from 20 metres over the bar. Taunted by chants of "Messi" from Serbia's die-hard fans, Ronaldo demonstrated his class in the 80th minute when he took a Bernardo Silva pass in his stride and coolly dinked the ball over the advancing Dmitrovic. Serbia refused to roll over as Aleksandar Mitrovic drove a shot from inside the penalty area into the roof of the net after a defensive blunder in the 85th minute but Silva sealed the contest with a clinical finish barely 60 seconds later.

Portugal rekindle Euro hopes with 4-2 win in Serbia

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

&nbsp;Netherlands scored four times in 32 second-half minutes to secure a remarkable 4-2 comeback victory against hosts Germany in their Euro 2020 Group C qualifier on Friday.

Goals from Frenkie de Jong, a Jonathan Tah own goal, Donyell Malen and Georginio Wijnaldum wrapped up the win after Serge Gnabry had given the hosts an early lead and Toni Kroos had pulled them level at 2-2 with a controversial penalty.

The result leaves Germany on nine points from four games, three behind leaders Northern Ireland, who they face on Monday in Belfast. The Netherlands move to six points from three games and next face bottom side Estonia.

It was a winning return to Hamburg for Dutch coach Ronald Koeman, who won in the port city against the Germans as a player during Euro' 88, and a clear mark of his team's improvement after they failed to reach the last two major tournaments.

"I told my players (at halftime) to stay in the game, not to give them so much space, control the ball better," Koeman told reporters. "That we should just keep going and we would get our chances. In the second half the Germans looked more tired and we benefited from that."

"Overall we worked harder than Germany for this victory," he said.

Joachim Loew's Germany side, undergoing their own overhaul after a disappointing 2018 World Cup first-round exit and Nations League relegation, got off to a good start with Gnabry scoring on the rebound in the ninth minute.

There was little to be seen in terms of attacks from the Netherlands but that changed after the break.

Dutch fightback&nbsp;

They turned the game around within seven minutes, first scoring through De Jong in the 59th and then taking the lead courtesy of Tah's unfortunate own goal.

The Germans, missing several injured players, including Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka, were struggling with the Dutch pace down the wings and were lucky to level with a 73rd minute Kroos penalty after Matthijs de Ligt accidentally handled.

There is no video replay for referees in the qualifiers.

The visitors got revenge for their 3-2 loss in Amsterdam in March, striking through debutant Malen in the 79th after a quick combination left the German defence frozen.

Wijnaldum completed the victory in stoppage time and ended Germany's 14-match winning run in World Cup and Euro qualifiers.

"We played below our skill level and abilities," Loew told reporters. "The Dutch were the better team and we deserved to lose. We went ahead but I never had the feeling that we were in control of the game.

"The Dutch kept pressing and then we ended up playing high balls. That is not how we had planned to play. We will now need to analyse this game and draw our conclusions,"

Belarus earned a stoppage-time 2-1 win at Estonia to claim their first points in the other game in the group on Friday.

Netherlands scored four times in 32 second-half minutes to secure a remarkable 4-2 comeback victory against hosts Germany in their Euro 2020 Group C qualifier on Friday.

Netherlands scored four times in 32 second-half minutes to secure a remarkable 4-2 comeback victory against hosts Germany in their Euro 2020 Group C qualifier on Friday. Goals from Frenkie de Jong, a Jonathan Tah own goal, Donyell Malen and Georginio Wijnaldum wrapped up the win after Serge Gnabry had given the hosts an early lead and Toni Kroos had pulled them level at 2-2 with a controversial penalty. The result leaves Germany on nine points from four games, three behind leaders Northern Ireland, who they face on Monday in Belfast. The Netherlands move to six points from three games and next face bottom side Estonia. It was a winning return to Hamburg for Dutch coach Ronald Koeman, who won in the port city against the Germans as a player during Euro' 88, and a clear mark of his team's improvement after they failed to reach the last two major tournaments. "I told my players (at halftime) to stay in the game, not to give them so much space, control the ball better," Koeman told reporters. "That we should just keep going and we would get our chances. In the second half the Germans looked more tired and we benefited from that." "Overall we worked harder than Germany for this victory," he said. Joachim Loew's Germany side, undergoing their own overhaul after a disappointing 2018 World Cup first-round exit and Nations League relegation, got off to a good start with Gnabry scoring on the rebound in the ninth minute. There was little to be seen in terms of attacks from the Netherlands but that changed after the break. Dutch fightback They turned the game around within seven minutes, first scoring through De Jong in the 59th and then taking the lead courtesy of Tah's unfortunate own goal. The Germans, missing several injured players, including Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka, were struggling with the Dutch pace down the wings and were lucky to level with a 73rd minute Kroos penalty after Matthijs de Ligt accidentally handled. There is no video replay for referees in the qualifiers. The visitors got revenge for their 3-2 loss in Amsterdam in March, striking through debutant Malen in the 79th after a quick combination left the German defence frozen. Wijnaldum completed the victory in stoppage time and ended Germany's 14-match winning run in World Cup and Euro qualifiers. "We played below our skill level and abilities," Loew told reporters. "The Dutch were the better team and we deserved to lose. We went ahead but I never had the feeling that we were in control of the game. "The Dutch kept pressing and then we ended up playing high balls. That is not how we had planned to play. We will now need to analyse this game and draw our conclusions," Belarus earned a stoppage-time 2-1 win at Estonia to claim their first points in the other game in the group on Friday.

Netherlands shock stunned Germany in 4-2 comeback win

More than 14 million tickets have been requested for the 2020 European Championship during the first three weeks of the sales window, breaking the tournament's record for registrations, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-confirms-new-laws-will-not-be-implemented-at-nations-league-224205&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWxcuw-afjAhXVmeYKHVSsAKEQFjABegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ZMjbLwNsE_mvjZDONjryK">UEFA</a> said on Tuesday.

In the month-long first phase of sales starting on June 12, 1.5 million tickets were made available to the general public as part of UEFA's "fan-first" ticketing policy for the tournament.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifier-new-look-germany-edge-dutch-in-thriller-205490&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNx_zP-afjAhW57XMBHZGnCcEQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw30oRc8lrvbXkiaKaOTLtZJ">Euro 2020</a>, which runs from June 12-July 12, is being played in 12 cities across Europe for the first time to mark the 60th anniversary of the competition.

European soccer's governing body said the demand for tickets among locals is highest in St Petersburg, London and Budapest, with more than 50% of tickets requested in these cities having been by supporters from the host nations.

The final at Wembley has received 1.3 million ticket requests, while the two semi-finals at the same venue have attracted a combined 1.5 million applications.

The first-phase tickets are being sold on euro2020.com/tickets until 1400 CEST (1200 GMT) on Friday.

The next phase of ticket sales will begin in December after the final <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifier-new-look-germany-edge-dutch-in-thriller-205490&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNx_zP-afjAhW57XMBHZGnCcEQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw30oRc8lrvbXkiaKaOTLtZJ">tournament </a>draw takes place on November&nbsp;30, with 1 million tickets on offer for fans of participating nations.

More than 14 million tickets have been requested for the 2020 European Championship during the first three weeks of the sales window, breaking the tournament's record for registrations, UEFA said on Tuesday.

More than 14 million tickets have been requested for the 2020 European Championship during the first three weeks of the sales window, breaking the tournament's record for registrations, UEFA said on Tuesday. In the month-long first phase of sales starting on June 12, 1.5 million tickets were made available to the general public as part of UEFA's "fan-first" ticketing policy for the tournament. Euro 2020, which runs from June 12-July 12, is being played in 12 cities across Europe for the first time to mark the 60th anniversary of the competition. European soccer's governing body said the demand for tickets among locals is highest in St Petersburg, London and Budapest, with more than 50% of tickets requested in these cities having been by supporters from the host nations. The final at Wembley has received 1.3 million ticket requests, while the two semi-finals at the same venue have attracted a combined 1.5 million applications. The first-phase tickets are being sold on euro2020.com/tickets until 1400 CEST (1200 GMT) on Friday. The next phase of ticket sales will begin in December after the final tournament draw takes place on November 30, with 1 million tickets on offer for fans of participating nations.

UEFA: Record 14 million tickets requested for Euro 2020

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

Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne has said that England and France are favourites&nbsp;to win the Euro Cup 2020.&nbsp;

Especially England after the arrival of&nbsp;promising teenagers like Phil Foden and Callum Hudson-Odoi.&nbsp;

"I told the England guys a week ago that you should win the Euros," De Bruyne told British media.&nbsp;

"I think they are favourites, with France.&nbsp;

"I see the guys already established, and those coming up, so the future looks really good."&nbsp;

Manchester City academy graduate Foden made his first Premier League start alongside De Bruyne on Wednesday, while winger Hudson-Odoi was given a full league debut for Chelsea, and the Belgian has been impressed with England's young talent.&nbsp;

While Hudson-Odoi has made his England debut, featuring against the Czech Republic and Montenegro last month, Foden has yet to receive a call-up and De Bruyne sees no reason for England manager Gareth Southgate to rush the 18-year-old into the international set-up.&nbsp;

"Give him time," he said.&nbsp;

"It's not because you play some games, and start a game, that you have to go into the national team ... If Phil progresses well, he has a chance to go to the Euros next year. He will play enough games for England."&nbsp;

Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne has said that England and France are favourites to win the Euro Cup 2020. Especially England after the arrival of promising teenagers like Phil Foden and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne has said that England and France are favourites to win the Euro Cup 2020. Especially England after the arrival of promising teenagers like Phil Foden and Callum Hudson-Odoi. "I told the England guys a week ago that you should win the Euros," De Bruyne told British media. "I think they are favourites, with France. "I see the guys already established, and those coming up, so the future looks really good." Manchester City academy graduate Foden made his first Premier League start alongside De Bruyne on Wednesday, while winger Hudson-Odoi was given a full league debut for Chelsea, and the Belgian has been impressed with England's young talent. While Hudson-Odoi has made his England debut, featuring against the Czech Republic and Montenegro last month, Foden has yet to receive a call-up and De Bruyne sees no reason for England manager Gareth Southgate to rush the 18-year-old into the international set-up. "Give him time," he said. "It's not because you play some games, and start a game, that you have to go into the national team ... If Phil progresses well, he has a chance to go to the Euros next year. He will play enough games for England."

England and France are favourites to win Euro 2020, says Kevin De Bruyne

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

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

Belgium midfielder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Eden+Hazard">Eden Hazard</a> has denied reports that he has agreed to a deal to move from Premier League club Chelsea to Spanish giants Real Madrid.&nbsp;

He said, "There's nothing there. Today I'm focusing on tomorrow's match against Cyprus. That's the only thing in my head now."&nbsp;

The media reports suggested Hazard had agreed to join Real after speaking to their coach, Zinedine Zidane.&nbsp;

Hazard was speaking at a press conference in Cyprus ahead of Belgium's Euro 2020 qualifier in Nicosia on Sunday in which he will win his 100th international cap.&nbsp;

Asked how long he hoped to continue playing for the national side, Hazard said, "I am going to see how, at 28, my body reacts."&nbsp;

"I'm in great form, but with the accumulation of matches, sometimes it gets a bit complicated. Of course one wants to play in the maximum of major tournaments."&nbsp;

"There are the Euros coming up, another World Cup, then another Euros. So we will see. And, as I have already said, if I see that the next generation is growing, for me there won't be a problem. I will cede my place to the younger ones."&nbsp;

Recently, former Belgium World Cup star Enzo Scifo described Hazard as the best Belgian player of all time.&nbsp;

Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard has denied reports that he has agreed to a deal to move from Premier League club Chelsea to Spanish giants Real Madrid. He said, "There's nothing there.

Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard has denied reports that he has agreed to a deal to move from Premier League club Chelsea to Spanish giants Real Madrid. He said, "There's nothing there. Today I'm focusing on tomorrow's match against Cyprus. That's the only thing in my head now." The media reports suggested Hazard had agreed to join Real after speaking to their coach, Zinedine Zidane. Hazard was speaking at a press conference in Cyprus ahead of Belgium's Euro 2020 qualifier in Nicosia on Sunday in which he will win his 100th international cap. Asked how long he hoped to continue playing for the national side, Hazard said, "I am going to see how, at 28, my body reacts." "I'm in great form, but with the accumulation of matches, sometimes it gets a bit complicated. Of course one wants to play in the maximum of major tournaments." "There are the Euros coming up, another World Cup, then another Euros. So we will see. And, as I have already said, if I see that the next generation is growing, for me there won't be a problem. I will cede my place to the younger ones." Recently, former Belgium World Cup star Enzo Scifo described Hazard as the best Belgian player of all time.

Chelsea's Eden Hazard denies reports he has signed deal with Real Madrid

Germany coach Joachim Loew has said that his side wants to start the qualification for 2020 on a winning note ahead of Euro 2020 qualifier against the Netherlands.&nbsp;

"We want to start our first match with success and also to finish the qualification successfully," said Loew.&nbsp;

Loew is currently in the process of rebuilding his team, with experienced trio Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller all left out of the latest squad.&nbsp;

He said, "We are also in the process of developing new players and that's also an important element that we experienced in the match against Serbia."

Loew said that his side "still needs to find itself" as the struggling team prepare at the Johan Cruyff Arena.&nbsp;

After the training session, Loew said new-look Germany need to "create a new order" as they work through a "discovery process" with several new players in the squad.

The neighbouring countries will do battle again having met twice in last year's group stage of the inaugural UEFA Nations League.&nbsp;

The Netherlands beat Belarus 4-0 in Rotterdam on March 21 in their opening Group C qualifier, a day after Germany proved unconvincing in a 1-1 draw at home to Serbia in an international friendly.&nbsp;

Germany coach Joachim Loew has said that his side wants to start the qualification for 2020 on a winning note ahead of Euro 2020 qualifier against the Netherlands.

Germany coach Joachim Loew has said that his side wants to start the qualification for 2020 on a winning note ahead of Euro 2020 qualifier against the Netherlands. "We want to start our first match with success and also to finish the qualification successfully," said Loew. Loew is currently in the process of rebuilding his team, with experienced trio Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller all left out of the latest squad. He said, "We are also in the process of developing new players and that's also an important element that we experienced in the match against Serbia." Loew said that his side "still needs to find itself" as the struggling team prepare at the Johan Cruyff Arena. After the training session, Loew said new-look Germany need to "create a new order" as they work through a "discovery process" with several new players in the squad. The neighbouring countries will do battle again having met twice in last year's group stage of the inaugural UEFA Nations League. The Netherlands beat Belarus 4-0 in Rotterdam on March 21 in their opening Group C qualifier, a day after Germany proved unconvincing in a 1-1 draw at home to Serbia in an international friendly.

Germany 'still needs to find itself', says Joachim Loew ahead of Netherlands clash

Spain captain Sergio Ramos scored another "Panenka" penalty to give his side a 2-1 home win over Norway on Saturday in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier but it was a far from convincing display from Luis Enrique's side.

Spain made a slick start and took the lead at Valencia's Mestalla stadium when Rodrigo Moreno volleyed in Jordi Alba's cross from close range in the 16th minute and continued to dominate proceedings without carving out many clear chances.

Norway, who had done little in attack, levelled in the 65th minute with a perfectly-taken penalty from striker Joshua King, who blasted the ball beyond David de Gea after Inigo Martinez had hauled Bjorn Johnsen to the floor.

Spain earned a spot-kick of their own six minutes later when Alvaro Morata was tripped by Norway goalkeeper Rune Jarstein, who Ramos easily deceived by chipping the ball down the middle of the goal to score a "Panenka" for the fifth time this season and eighth in his career.

"We have begun a new journey and what better way to start than with a win over a team that made things very difficult for us despite the fact we had the ball the whole time," Ramos told reporters.

"We knew it was going to be difficult but we still played well and perhaps should have had a bigger advantage at halftime. Still, we reacted well to their equaliser and the win will give us more confidence."

Spain's players had talked of the importance of making a flying start to the qualifying campaign after their confidence had been knocked by a dismal World Cup and a disappointing finish in the UEFA Nations League.

Luis Enrique had named an experimental squad for this game and the trip to Malta next Tuesday but there was a familiar feel to his starting line-up with the exception of veteran Jesus Navas, who made a first start for the national team since 2014.

Spain made a promising start in front of a near-capacity crowd and got their breakthrough when Barca left back Alba played a one-two with Marco Asensio to cut down the flank and play a simple cross to Rodrigo who could hardly miss.

The home side dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge in attack as Morata missed a series of chances, drawing a couple of saves from Jarstein and failing to hit the target with a free header.

Morata makes amends

Morata compensated for those misses by helping Spain restore their lead after King had levelled against the run of play, darting on to a through ball and colliding with the desperate Jarstein, who was then fooled by the nerveless Ramos.

Asensio should have sealed the victory when played through but his attempted chip sent the ball over the bar.

Norway pressed Spain back into their area in added time but never looked like finding another equaliser.

Spain joined Malta and Sweden on three points in Group F after those sides also earned 2-1 wins in their opening fixtures.

Luis Enrique said his side should have scored more goals but was happy with the performance.

"We have to appreciate all the positive things we did today, I think we deserved to win 5-1 or 6-1, but in football goals is the only thing that matters," he said.

"I'm happy with everything, the attitude, the way we played after training hard all week and for creating chances against a team who defended in their own half. It was a shame we conceded the penalty but we found a solution, and we realised that if you want to win you have to suffer."

Spain captain Sergio Ramos scored another "Panenka" penalty to give his side a 2-1 home win over Norway on Saturday in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier but it was a far from convincing display from Luis Enrique's side.

Spain captain Sergio Ramos scored another "Panenka" penalty to give his side a 2-1 home win over Norway on Saturday in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier but it was a far from convincing display from Luis Enrique's side. Spain made a slick start and took the lead at Valencia's Mestalla stadium when Rodrigo Moreno volleyed in Jordi Alba's cross from close range in the 16th minute and continued to dominate proceedings without carving out many clear chances. Norway, who had done little in attack, levelled in the 65th minute with a perfectly-taken penalty from striker Joshua King, who blasted the ball beyond David de Gea after Inigo Martinez had hauled Bjorn Johnsen to the floor. Spain earned a spot-kick of their own six minutes later when Alvaro Morata was tripped by Norway goalkeeper Rune Jarstein, who Ramos easily deceived by chipping the ball down the middle of the goal to score a "Panenka" for the fifth time this season and eighth in his career. "We have begun a new journey and what better way to start than with a win over a team that made things very difficult for us despite the fact we had the ball the whole time," Ramos told reporters. "We knew it was going to be difficult but we still played well and perhaps should have had a bigger advantage at halftime. Still, we reacted well to their equaliser and the win will give us more confidence." Spain's players had talked of the importance of making a flying start to the qualifying campaign after their confidence had been knocked by a dismal World Cup and a disappointing finish in the UEFA Nations League. Luis Enrique had named an experimental squad for this game and the trip to Malta next Tuesday but there was a familiar feel to his starting line-up with the exception of veteran Jesus Navas, who made a first start for the national team since 2014. Spain made a promising start in front of a near-capacity crowd and got their breakthrough when Barca left back Alba played a one-two with Marco Asensio to cut down the flank and play a simple cross to Rodrigo who could hardly miss. The home side dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge in attack as Morata missed a series of chances, drawing a couple of saves from Jarstein and failing to hit the target with a free header. Morata makes amends Morata compensated for those misses by helping Spain restore their lead after King had levelled against the run of play, darting on to a through ball and colliding with the desperate Jarstein, who was then fooled by the nerveless Ramos. Asensio should have sealed the victory when played through but his attempted chip sent the ball over the bar. Norway pressed Spain back into their area in added time but never looked like finding another equaliser. Spain joined Malta and Sweden on three points in Group F after those sides also earned 2-1 wins in their opening fixtures. Luis Enrique said his side should have scored more goals but was happy with the performance. "We have to appreciate all the positive things we did today, I think we deserved to win 5-1 or 6-1, but in football goals is the only thing that matters," he said. "I'm happy with everything, the attitude, the way we played after training hard all week and for creating chances against a team who defended in their own half. It was a shame we conceded the penalty but we found a solution, and we realised that if you want to win you have to suffer."

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Sergio Ramos gives Spain winning start

Bulgaria midfielder Todor Nedelev scored a dubious late penalty to help them earn a 1-1 home draw in their opening Euro 2020 Group A qualifier against Montenegro on Friday.

The penalty was awarded in the 82nd minute for a foul by Montenegro substitute Vladimir Jovovic on Stanislav Kostov but television replays showed the incident happened outside the penalty area.

Stefan Mugosa opened the scoring when he curled in a brilliant left-foot shot five minutes after the break that gave Bulgaria keeper Nikolay Mihaylov no chance having beaten Vasil Bozhikov and Petar Zanev by putting the ball through their legs.

Bulgaria were unable to get into their stride for most of the second half but 17-year-old debutant Martin Minchev almost secured a late win when he shot just wide.

Bulgaria visit Kosovo on Monday when Montenegro will host England. Gareth Southgate's side face Czech Republic later on Friday.

Bulgaria midfielder Todor Nedelev scored a dubious late penalty to help them earn a 1-1 home draw in their opening Euro 2020 Group A qualifier against Montenegro on Friday.

Bulgaria midfielder Todor Nedelev scored a dubious late penalty to help them earn a 1-1 home draw in their opening Euro 2020 Group A qualifier against Montenegro on Friday. The penalty was awarded in the 82nd minute for a foul by Montenegro substitute Vladimir Jovovic on Stanislav Kostov but television replays showed the incident happened outside the penalty area. Stefan Mugosa opened the scoring when he curled in a brilliant left-foot shot five minutes after the break that gave Bulgaria keeper Nikolay Mihaylov no chance having beaten Vasil Bozhikov and Petar Zanev by putting the ball through their legs. Bulgaria were unable to get into their stride for most of the second half but 17-year-old debutant Martin Minchev almost secured a late win when he shot just wide. Bulgaria visit Kosovo on Monday when Montenegro will host England. Gareth Southgate's side face Czech Republic later on Friday.

Controversial penalty earns Bulgaria draw against Montenegro

Captain Eden Hazard scored twice for Belgium to spare the blushes of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and secure a 3-1 victory over Russia in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium on Thursday.

Courtois allowed Russia a soft equaliser after his error gifted a goal to Denis Cheryshev, but Belgium claimed a deserved victory when Youri Tielemans opened the scoring with his first international goal and Hazard added two more, one from the penalty spot.

Striker Michy Batshuayi was asked to lead the line in the absence of the injured Romelu Lukaku, while the Hazard brothers, Eden and Thorgan, played together for the third time in a national team shirt.

Belgium led on 15 minutes when Timothy Castagne’s pass fed Tielemans on the edge of the box and as Russia’s defensive line opened up, the midfielder fired a low shot past goalkeeper Guilherme Marinato.

But the lead lasted barely a minute as a horror error from Courtois gifted Cheryshev the equaliser.

The keeper dallied in possession following a back-pass and when pressed into action, passed the ball straight to Cheryshev on the edge of the box who finished into an empty net.

Batshuayi came close to restoring the lead when the Hazard brothers led a breakaway from a Russian corner and when the ball fell to the striker in the box, his shot beat Marinato but not defender Georgiy Dzhikiya on the goalline.

Belgium, World Cup semi-finalists last year, scored their second just before the break when Eden Hazard was fouled in the box by Yuri Zhirkov and stepped up to convert the spot-kick and give his side a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Batshuayi should have added a third for the home side when he was left unmarked and turned a low cross on to the post from eight yards out.

Skipper Hazard netted the third when he picked up the loose ball in the box after Batshuayi’s shot was blocked and the visitors finished the game with 10 following a late red card for Aleksandr Golovin.

Earlier, Cyprus stormed to the top of the Group I standings with a 5-0 victory over San Marino in Nicosia.

Striker Pieros Sotiriou converted two penalties to go with goals from Ioannis Kousoulos, Georgios Efrem and Konstantinos Laifis.

Captain Eden Hazard scored twice for Belgium to spare the blushes of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and secure a 3-1 victory over Russia in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium on Thursday.

Captain Eden Hazard scored twice for Belgium to spare the blushes of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and secure a 3-1 victory over Russia in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium on Thursday. Courtois allowed Russia a soft equaliser after his error gifted a goal to Denis Cheryshev, but Belgium claimed a deserved victory when Youri Tielemans opened the scoring with his first international goal and Hazard added two more, one from the penalty spot. Striker Michy Batshuayi was asked to lead the line in the absence of the injured Romelu Lukaku, while the Hazard brothers, Eden and Thorgan, played together for the third time in a national team shirt. Belgium led on 15 minutes when Timothy Castagne’s pass fed Tielemans on the edge of the box and as Russia’s defensive line opened up, the midfielder fired a low shot past goalkeeper Guilherme Marinato. But the lead lasted barely a minute as a horror error from Courtois gifted Cheryshev the equaliser. The keeper dallied in possession following a back-pass and when pressed into action, passed the ball straight to Cheryshev on the edge of the box who finished into an empty net. Batshuayi came close to restoring the lead when the Hazard brothers led a breakaway from a Russian corner and when the ball fell to the striker in the box, his shot beat Marinato but not defender Georgiy Dzhikiya on the goalline. Belgium, World Cup semi-finalists last year, scored their second just before the break when Eden Hazard was fouled in the box by Yuri Zhirkov and stepped up to convert the spot-kick and give his side a 2-1 lead at halftime. Batshuayi should have added a third for the home side when he was left unmarked and turned a low cross on to the post from eight yards out. Skipper Hazard netted the third when he picked up the loose ball in the box after Batshuayi’s shot was blocked and the visitors finished the game with 10 following a late red card for Aleksandr Golovin. Earlier, Cyprus stormed to the top of the Group I standings with a 5-0 victory over San Marino in Nicosia. Striker Pieros Sotiriou converted two penalties to go with goals from Ioannis Kousoulos, Georgios Efrem and Konstantinos Laifis.

Belgium overcome Thibaut Courtois howler to sink Russia

Former champions Germany and the Netherlands will meet each in qualifying for Euro 2020 after being paired together in Sunday's draw in Dublin, but World Cup semi-finalists England will not complain about their group.

The Germans were the most dangerous team outside the first pot of seeds for the competition, relegated due to poor recent results which included losing to the Dutch in the Nations League.

Joachim Loew's side will also face Northern Ireland, who they met at the Euro 2016 finals, as well as Estonia and Belarus in Group C.

The top two teams in each of the 10 groups will qualify for Euro 2020, which for the first time will be staged in 12 different venues across the continent.

The semi-finals and final will be played at Wembley, handing England a major incentive to go on and win the competition, fresh from reaching the last four at this year's World Cup.

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Gareth Southgate's side will be happy with a draw which places them in Group A along with the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Kosovo.

England are in a section with just five teams rather than six because they have qualified for the final four of the Nations League, which will be held next June in Portugal. The draw for that will take place on Monday.

World Cup winners France will meet Iceland and Turkey as well as Albania, Moldova and Andorra in Group H.

But with the top two in each group qualifying, and the safety net of play-offs to determine the last four qualifiers related to final positions in the recent Nations League, the prospect of any leading nation missing out on Euro 2020 is extremely slim.

The task looks tougher for Scotland as they aim to reach a major tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup -- they must take on Belgium, Russia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan and San Marino in Group I.

Scotland have, at least, already secured a play-off spot after topping their Nations League section.

The Republic of Ireland, with a new manager in Mick McCarthy, will meet Switzerland and Denmark in Group D as well as Georgia and Gibraltar.

Wales must take on World Cup runners-up Croatia in Group E alongside Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan.

Arguably the toughest group is Group F in which Sweden, Norway and Romania will likely compete for one berth behind Spain.

The qualifiers will begin in March, with the final round of games in November 2019.

Former champions Germany and the Netherlands will meet each in qualifying for Euro 2020 after being paired together in Sunday's draw in Dublin, but World Cup semi-finalists England will not complain about their group.

Former champions Germany and the Netherlands will meet each in qualifying for Euro 2020 after being paired together in Sunday's draw in Dublin, but World Cup semi-finalists England will not complain about their group. The Germans were the most dangerous team outside the first pot of seeds for the competition, relegated due to poor recent results which included losing to the Dutch in the Nations League. Joachim Loew's side will also face Northern Ireland, who they met at the Euro 2016 finals, as well as Estonia and Belarus in Group C. The top two teams in each of the 10 groups will qualify for Euro 2020, which for the first time will be staged in 12 different venues across the continent. The semi-finals and final will be played at Wembley, handing England a major incentive to go on and win the competition, fresh from reaching the last four at this year's World Cup. View this post on Instagram #EURO2020 qualifying ✅ Toughest group? 🤔 A post shared by UEFA EURO 2020 (@euro2020) on Dec 2, 2018 at 4:00am PST × Gareth Southgate's side will be happy with a draw which places them in Group A along with the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Kosovo. England are in a section with just five teams rather than six because they have qualified for the final four of the Nations League, which will be held next June in Portugal. The draw for that will take place on Monday. World Cup winners France will meet Iceland and Turkey as well as Albania, Moldova and Andorra in Group H. But with the top two in each group qualifying, and the safety net of play-offs to determine the last four qualifiers related to final positions in the recent Nations League, the prospect of any leading nation missing out on Euro 2020 is extremely slim. The task looks tougher for Scotland as they aim to reach a major tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup -- they must take on Belgium, Russia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan and San Marino in Group I. Scotland have, at least, already secured a play-off spot after topping their Nations League section. The Republic of Ireland, with a new manager in Mick McCarthy, will meet Switzerland and Denmark in Group D as well as Georgia and Gibraltar. Wales must take on World Cup runners-up Croatia in Group E alongside Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan. Arguably the toughest group is Group F in which Sweden, Norway and Romania will likely compete for one berth behind Spain. The qualifiers will begin in March, with the final round of games in November 2019.

Germany, Netherlands to meet in Euro 2020 qualifying as England given clement draw

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