Starting in the Nations League, Denis Zakaria was introduced for the final 11 minutes and successfully helped Switzerland hold on to a 2-1 lead against the Czech Republic, thus avoiding relegation from Group A2. The Swiss scored twice in a minute in the first half before the Czechs hit back. Tomas Soucek then passed up a chance to equalise from the penalty spot.

In the same group, Spain got the win they needed to overtake Portugal and book their place in the final four of the tournament alongside Italy, Croatia and the Netherlands. Cesar Azpilicueta watched from the bench as his former Chelsea team-mate Alvaro Morata grabbed an 88th-minute winner in Braga, prodding in from close range.

Also in the Nations League tonight, Armando Broja got 20 minutes as Albania conceded late on to draw 1-1 with Iceland, who had been reduced to 10 men early on in Tirana. Albania edged out shortly before half-time but couldn’t press home their advantage and conceded in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Samba Boys shine again

For our non-European players in action tonight, friendly fixtures were the order of the day.

Brazil enjoyed another big win as their impressive run of form continued, this time thrashing 10-man Tunisia 5-1 in Paris.

At his former home ground, Thiago Silva earned his 109th cap and played the full 90 minutes. Raphinha, Richarlison and Neymar all found the net for the Selecao, who were briefly pegged back to 1-1 but still lead by three at the interval, shortly before which the Tunisians had a player sent off for a bad tackle on Neymar.

Having now won 11 and drawn three of their past 14 games, it seems like the five-time winners will take some stopping in Qatar.

Christian Pulisic was fit enough to start and captain the US as they drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. On a tough pitch in Murcia, Spain, the game lacked quality with neither keeper having much to do. Pulisic was withdrawn 15 minutes from time, with Gregg Berhalter’s side now turning their attention to the World Cup and, first up, a meeting with Wales.

Kalidou Koulibaly played 90 minutes as Senegal drew 1-1 with Iran in Austria. The two goals were traded either side of the hour mark, the Lions of Teranga having taken the lead. Edouard Mendy remained absent through injury.

Senegal’s next scheduled fixture is their World Cup opener against the Netherlands on 21 November. The hosts and Ecuador complete Group A.

It was also a draw for Morocco and Hakim Ziyech, Paraguay their opponents in Seville. Ziyech, who had one good opportunity to win it, was replaced six minutes from time.

Goal for Gallagher

Conor Gallagher netted for England’s Under-21s as they defeated European Championship holders Germany 3-1 at Brammall Lane.

Gallagher displayed his predatory instincts inside the box with a close-range finish from Anthony Gordon’s low delivery after good work from Jacob Ramsey.

The Young Lions had gone behind, former England Under-17 and Under-19 midfielder Felix Nmecha heading the visitors in front, but Folarin Balogun quickly equalised, and 90 seconds after the restart Gallagher completed the turnaround. England defended well and then struck on the counter in stoppage time through Cole Palmer, sealing another impressive victory following the 2-0 success in Italy last week.

Gallagher and another Blue, Levi Colwill, were replaced on 70 minutes. Colwill's performance at the back was good enough to earn him the Player of the Match award.

Elsewhere at Under-21 level, Wesley Fofana played an hour of France’s 2-2 draw with Belgium in Valenciennes. The French, one of the favourites for next summer’s European Championships, had to come from behind twice against their neighbours. Fofana went off just after his nation trailed for a second time.

Ian Maatsen came on in the 54th minute of the Netherlands Under-21s’ goalless draw with Romania in Cluj. Netherlands dominated possession and the shot count but couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Carney Chukwuemeka played the last half-hour as England Under-20s defeated Australia 3-0, rounding off their trip to Spain with a third win from three games.

At that age group Italy won by the same scoreline against Switzerland with Cesare Casadei captaining.

England Under-19s finished their European Championships qualification campaign with a third win out of three, Lewis Hall featuring throughout their 4-2 win over hosts Denmark.

Jimi Tauriainen started for Finland Under-19s and was subbed off after 74 minutes. Portugal won 2-1.

England Under-17s were well beaten by Poland in a friendly, 5-0 the final scoreline. Michael Golding, Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George, Somto Boniface and Ted Curd all played.