Söyüncü's Turkey Seal EURO Qualifying Victory

Internationals
11 Oct 2019
2 Minutes
Leicester City's Çağlar Söyüncü starred in a dramatic 1-0 victory for Turkey over Albania in UEFA 2020 European Championships qualifying on Friday.

- Çağlar Söyüncü was a half-time substitute on a big night for Turkey in UEFA 2020 European Championships qualifying
- Turkey sealed a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Albania on Friday night to stay top of Group H
- Leicester City team-mate James Justin made his second appearance for England Under-21s earlier in the day
- Youngster Will Russ' Wales Under-19s were beaten 3-1 by Austria

Foxes centre-back Söyüncü, 23, came off the bench, replacing Kaan Ayhan at the interval, before Everton forward Cenk Tosun struck a 90th-minute winner at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.

Earning his 26th cap, the former SC Freiburg defender helped Turkey to an important clean sheet ahead of Monday evening's crunch Group H clash against world champions France (7:45pm kick-off).

As it stands, Turkey, on 18 points, narrowly lead France in the Group H standings due to their head-to-head record, but they will need to avoid defeat at the Stade de France to retain their position at the summit.

Elsewhere, full-back James Justin made his second appearance for England Under-21s in their 2-2 draw with Slovenia in Maribor, with Eddie Nketiah and Sam Surridge on the scoresheet.

The 21-year-old full-back played the full second half of the international friendly fixture, having made his maiden appearance for Aidy Boothroyd’s youthful side back in August. 

After joining the Club in the summer from hometown club Luton Town, Justin has made one appearance so far for City, claiming a debut goal in a 4-0 Carabao Cup win over his former club last month.

The versatile defender could be in action with the Young Lions again on Tuesday when they face Austria in UEFA 2021 U21 Championship qualifying (7:45pm kick-off).

Meanwhile, City Under-18s striker Will Russ’ Wales Under-19s lost 3-1 to Austria, while young goalkeeper Chituru Odunze has been called up to the USA squad for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil.

City full-backs Ben Chilwell and Ricardo Pereira were both unused for England and Portugal respectively. James Maddison, on the other hand, withdrew from the England squad this week with illness. 

The Three Lions were dealt their first defeat in EURO 2020 qualifying, though, as Czech Republic came from behind to win 2-1 in Prague on Friday, while Portugal were 3-0 victors over Luxembourg.

Academy graduate Chilwell could earn a ninth cap for England on Monday night against Bulgaria (7:45pm kick-off). Ricardo’s Portugal, meanwhile, face Ukraine at the same time.

Stay updated on the Club's international representatives over the coming days by checking back to LCFC.com for regular updates.

All times BST.