Joel Asoro’s stock continues to rise as he was one of a number of Black Cats who starred for their international sides over the past week. Eight of Sunderland’s stars represented their national sides as they look to impress David Moyes away from Wearside. Swedish sensation Joel Asoro made his mark for his country’s under-21 side, while Lamine Kone and Didier Ndong both enjoyed solid starts to their respective World Cup qualifying campaigns. Below we profile how Sunderland’s internationals got on over the past week. Joel Asoro (Sweden under-21s) The young striker has attracted the interest of a host of top European clubs and he scored his first goal for Sweden’s under-21 side in their 3-0 win over Estonia. The 17-year-old, who made his Premier League debut in August, scored the third of Sweden’s goals as they remained top of Group 6. Asoro will be hoping to play a part in Monday’s top of the group clash with Croatia, where a win would guarantee their place at next summer’s European Championship. Lamine Kone (Ivory Coast) The centre-half played the full game on Saturday as Ivory Coast marched to a 3-1 win over Mali. Kone saw his side fall 1-0 behind after a delightful chipped effort from Mali’s Sambou Yatabare, but an own goal as well as goals from Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia and Gervinho ensured Ivory Coast got off to the perfect start in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Didier Ndong (Gabon) Sunderland’s record signing played 76 minutes but he was unable to inspire his Gabon side to three points against Morocco. Despite boasting the attacking threat of Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon failed to break the deadlock as they were held to a 0-0 draw in their opening World Cup qualifier. Jason Denayer (Belgium under-21s) The young Belgian had a horror show as Belgium’s under- 21 side as they were thumped 3-0 by Montenegro, The Red Devils’ hopes of topping their group were left in tatters as Montenegro scored three first half goals to seal the win. Denayer was replaced after only 33 minutes and will be hoping for a better showing against Latvia on Tuesday night. Paddy McNair (Northern Ireland) McNair came on as a late substitute as Northern Ireland continued their unbeaten start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. A brace from Kyle Lafferty as well as goals from Steven Davis and Jamie Ward ensured a 4-0 win over San Marino. John O’Shea (Republic of Ireland) The experienced centre-half came on as a late substitute for captain Seamus Coleman as the Republic of Ireland beat Georgia 1-0. Martin O’Neill’s side remain unbeaten and O’Shea will hope to make a greater contribution when Ireland take on Moldova this evening. Duncan Watmore (England under-21s) Watmore came on as a second half substitute as England sealed their progression to next summer’s European Championship. Demarai Gray’s early strike was enough to secure the win for Aidy Boothroyd’s side in Aktobe. Lynden Gooch (USA) After receiving his first call-up to the senior side, Gooch was an unused substitute as the USA ran out 2-0 victors over Cuba on Friday evening. Sunday October 9 Tunisia v Guinea (Wahbi Khazri) Monday October 10 Sweden U21s v Croatia U21s (Joel Asoro) Tuesday October 11 Germany v Northern Ireland (Paddy McNair) USA v New Zealand (Lynden Gooch) England U21s v Bosnia & Herzegovina U21s (Duncan Watmore) Belgium U21s v Latvia U21s (Jason Denayer)
England World Cup qualifier and not one post on here about it. I didn't realise there were so many Rooney fans in here
I don't think I could care less. I was just now on the tv guide looking for something to put on when I saw England were playing and I said "those twats playing eh, I might check the score later if I can be bothered".
How Walcott earns his living as a professional football player is beyond me and yet he is picked to represent his country,
Lingard isn't ready for this level yet, although to be fair that could be said for half of them out there in the first half.
Aye I don't think I will, I'll have my late tea, watch Westworld and that's me done more or less. Doesn't sound like I'm missing anything, surprise surprise.
England are clueless at the minute, Sturridge weak as hell, most players in fact. We need Rashford on but first they have to actually pass to an England player in the Slovenia penalty area, get wide balls in. Milner should have played as well.
How ****ing ****e are England. Rooney must be laughing... well he was til he was taken off the bench. Rok Kroneveter - great name. best part of this match. Ah well, glad I'm not Scottish!
My thoughts exactly, they were a pretty tough bunch of opponents all told, and in all honesty I thought our lads did ok, after a very good 60 mins, the pressure seemed to affect our Jordan, but as he is one of us, he gets my support. A draw was not a disaster by any means.
He's played at a much higher 'level' than that shower of ****e last night pal. Once the obsession with Liverpool bottlers stops we might see an upturn in fortunes for our beloved nation.
Look at the time I posted it Tel. Poor lad took the brunt of a well pissed-off bloke at half time. They were all bloody awful last night except Hart. There was one spell of around 5 minutes when Lingard tried to get through 4 players and lost the ball every time when other options were available. That did stick in my mind. But naming and shaming him at half time was a little unfair when you consider the performance in the second half. Bordered on the criminal!!
There was also many opportunities where he was in good space making intelligent runs and Sturridge ****ing hoofed it like a div. That was a joke last night, Southgate tried to stamp his authority and ended up looking so far out of his depth it was unreal. I get accused of bias and having an agenda against certain players, it's pointless going into detail on here.
If Southgate had won last night and had then gone on to beat Scotland the calls in the press to give him the job permanently would be deafening. As it is, he really blew it last night. That was as bad an England performance as I've ever seen, including the fiasco in the World Cup. So I reckon the FA will be looking for our third manager this qualifying stage with more urgency from today.
