International Foxes Impress In Tuesday's Action
- James Justin plays key role in crucial Young Lions win
- The Foxes full-back was instrumental in England's first goal
- Kelechi Iheanacho bags ninth senior international goal
- Luke Thomas features in England Under-20s’ win over Wales
England's Under-21s booked their place at next year’s flagship tournament with a hard-fought victory against Turkey at Molineux Stadium.
An own goal from Huseyin Turkmen and Eddie Nketiah's late strike secured three points and top spot for the Young Lions in qualifying Group 3.
Versatile Foxes defender Justin played an important part in the opening goal, splitting the defence with a superb pass into Ryan Sessegnon, whose cross found the back of the net via Turkmen.
In the second half, Sheffield United stopper Aaron Ramsdale kept out Halil Dervişoğlu's penalty after the Turkish attacker went down in the area.
Dervişoğlu eventually grabbed a consolation in injury time after Eddie Nketiah sealed the win for England to become the all-time leading scorer for the Three Lions at Under-21s level.
Elsewhere, striker Kelechi Iheanacho was on the scoresheet as Nigeria drew 1-1 in a friendly with Tunisia.
Making his 27th international appearance, Iheanacho opened the scoring with his ninth senior goal for the Super Eagles.
Gooaaal!
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 13, 2020
Kelechi Iheanacho finishes it nicely to hand us the lead.
1-0.#NGATUN#SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong.
The 24-year-old did well to spin his defender in the box before firing past the ‘keeper with a well-placed left-footed finish on 21 minutes.
Not long after, the City striker had the chance to double his tally when former Leicester team-mate Ahmed Musa was fouled in the box. Iheanacho was unable to convert the spot kick, though, as his penalty was saved well by Ben Mustapha.
Tunisia equalised just before half-time and neither side was able to register again after the break.
Earlier in the day, Thomas started for England Under-20s as they beat Wales 2-0 at St. George’s Park.
The 19-year-old left-back featured for over an hour before being replaced by Derby County’s Lee Buchanan.
It was an assured performance from England as former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley took charge for the first time.
Thomas, who made his Premier League debut for the Foxes last season, has represented the Three Lions at Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s level.
Josh Eppiah was an unused substitute in Belgium Under-21s’ 1-0 defeat by Moldova. The 22-year-old attacker is currently on loan at OH Leuven in the Jupiler Pro League.
A host of Leicester City players could appear for their nations on Wednesday, meanwhile, as the second international break of 2020/21 reaches its climax.