Southampton stars impress on international duty

Southampton have already had five representatives play on this fortnight’s international duty, with more to come over the next few days.

It’s been a solid start to the international break for those representing the Saints, with two getting themselves on their respective score-sheets.

Ryan Bertrand started for England in their qualifying game against Malta, and helped secure the points late on when his powerful effort beat the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. It was the left-back’s first goal on his 15th senior appearance for England.

The 28-year-old will hope that his goal-scoring efforts are enough to earn him a starting place in Monday’s game against Slovakia, as the away side could leapfrog the Three Lions with a win.

Meanwhile, Steven Davis grabbed himself a goal as he captained Northern Ireland to a comprehensive win over San Marino. The midfielder scored from the spot as his team won 3-0, helping secure their second-placed standing behind runaway leaders Germany.

Elsewhere Maya Yoshida helped his national side Japan qualify for the 2018 World Cup this week, following a 2-0 victory over Australia.

The 28-year-old, who recently signed a new deal with the Saints, kept a clean sheet to insure that his side go into next week’s game against Saudi Arabia with qualification already in the bag.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

Cedric Soares completed a quartet of wins for Southampton internationals, with his Portugal side enjoying an emphatic 5-1 victory over minnows the Faroe Islands. A Cristiano Ronaldo hattrick helped Cedric’s side keep the pressure on the group-leading Switzerland, who are three points ahead of the current European Championship winners.

However, Wesley Hoedt and his Netherlands side were thumped 4-0 by the French, with Southampton’s new defender struggling to handle teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe. The youngster got himself onto the score-sheet in added time, after Antoine Griezmann and Thomas Lemar has already sealed the points.

Hoedt lined up alongside former teammate Stefan de Vrij, but the team in orange saw themselves struggle all evening, ending with ten men after Kevin Strootman saw red.

Jan Bednarek was included in Poland’s senior squad for the first time for their qualifying game, but was an unused substitute.