Foden Scores Twice As England Beats Ten-Man Iceland

 

The Three Lions of England ended their 2020 UEFA Nations League campaign with a victory over Iceland.

England failed to qualify for the Nation’s League semifinals next after they lost to Belgium last week.

The Belgians didn’t secure a place in the semifinals with the win, but they had the advantage as anything, but a loss against Denmark on Wednesday would guarantee their spot next year.

England, at the Wembley Stadium on Wednesday, chose a 3-5-2 formation against Iceland who was already relegated to the League B.

Everton’s Jordan Pickford was in goal protected by the back three of Eric Dier, Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker.

Kieran Trippier, Mason Mount, Declan Rice, Phil Foden and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka formed the midfield as they fed Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Harry Kane up front.

The hosts took the lead through Declan Rice in the 20th minute with from a Foden assist, Chelsea’s Mason Mount made it two just four minutes later.

In the second half, Birkir Saevarsson received his second booking and was sent off in the 54th minute.

Manchester City midfielder, Phil Foden scored a late brace to put the icing on the victory for Gareth Southgate’s side.

The win didn’t do England any favours as they finished third behind Belgium and Denmark on the table with 10 points.

The visitors on the night, Iceland, ended the campaign without a point losing all six matches played conceding 17 goals and scoring just 3 in six games.

Romelu Lukaku scored a brace while Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans scored one each to give Belgium a 4-2 victory over Denmark to secure their place at next year’s semifinals.

The Red Devils topped Group 2 of League A with 15 points from 6 games with the loss to England at the Wembley Stadium their only blemish.

 

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu