Part of Northern Ireland’s game plan against Germany was to stop Toni Kroos exerting his influence. The midfield may have pressed Kroos higher up but Joachim Low had other aces up his sleeve, with Sami Khedira often untracked further forward and Julian Draxler scoring the first as he showed why he’s becoming a Germany mainstay.
Joe Hart has had a rough summer. Cast into the football wilderness by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City with his England No1 spot under serious threat too, you’d forgive him for giving up. But the Torino loanee was very much the hero for England. He kept his head on several occasions to ensure they could breathe again and pulled off two stunning stops.
Joe Hart performing very well with a range of saves from last nights game for England. Which one was your favourite and why? pic.twitter.com/IE0Xf4n3kZ
— Goalkeeper Coaching (@GKCoaching) October 12, 2016
The Scotland boss straight-batted questions about his future following the defeat to Slovakia, which left the Scots in fourth place and with five dropped points from their first three Group F fixtures. However, public opinion is turning against the former Celtic manager, if it is not already solidified, and even the Tartan Army seem to have lost faith. Wembley could be his swansong.
Troubled waters: Gordan Strachan.
In 2014, Raphael Varane was comfortably one of the best defenders on the planet. He’s not shown that form of late though. The Real Madrid man has struggled for the 12 months as injuries puncture his career but there were signs against the Netherlands he could be back on track. Quick to quell danger and a presence in the air he looked confident again in Amsterdam.
Early days still but Varane-Koscielny looking like the best centre-back pairing France have had in a very long time
— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) October 10, 2016
Roberto Martinez has had a good start with Belgium. Three qualifiers, three wins, 13 goals scored and none conceded, the former Everton manager is beginning to rebuild his reputation. The Red Devils were poor at Euro 2016 and it led to Marc Wilmots’ departure and the Catalan’s broader tactical knowledge has lifted a squad packed with potential.
