Kante watched on as France beat Finland 2-0 in Helsinki, after the Blues midfielder played over 70 minutes in France’s previous outing on Saturday evening, and is now well rested ahead of returning to Cobham.

Goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe ensured France made it eight games in Group D without defeat, topping the table with 18 points.

Thiago Silva was also an unused substitute as Brazil played out a 0-0 draw with Argentina overnight, with the draw a positive result for Argentina who have now qualified for the World Cup next year. Brazil had already qualified.

After a dramatic win for Christian Pulisic’s USA in Cincinnati last week, they followed up that victory with a 1-1 draw away to Jamaica in Kingston last night.

Tim Weah opened the scoring early on before West Ham’s Michail Antonio scored a great goal to level the scoring. Pulisic did play the final 25 minutes, however his introduction did not change his national team’s fortunes.

With Mexico losing 2-1 to Canada later on in the day, Canada now top the group with USA sat one point behind with 15 points.

Elsewhere, at Under-19 level, Levi Colwill captained and scored a thumping header for England Under-19s as they won 2-0 away to Sweden Under-19s.

Another three points for Ian Foster’s side mean they remain undefeated in Group 1, winning two and drawing once, and have now qualified for the European Championships which take place in Slovakia next year.

The 18-year-old’s towering header came midway through the second half, as he jumped the highest to connect to a great corner from Bristol City’s Alex Scott.

Colwill, who is currently on-loan at second tier side Huddersfield Town, played the full 90 minutes at left-back, while Harvey Vale was the other Blues connection to start the match in Stockholm.

England went a goal up just six minutes into the match through Dane Scarlett after the Greek referee pointed to the penalty spot, and controlled the game from then on in with Colwill’s header a nice cushion going into the final 25 minutes.

Blues midfielder Charlie Webster was a late change for England. Jude Soonsup-Bell was an unused substitute for the away side.

Meanwhile, Chelsea Under-19 left-winger Edwin Andersson made a substitute appearance for the hosts in the 74th minute.