Excellent Ben Doak gave Steve Clarke something for thought as Scotland U21s won 3-1 over Hungary to start their Euro qualification campaign.

The top team leader and his management staff will have noticed Fulham’s Kieran Bowie’s lethal double in the opening seven minutes to send Scot Gemmill’s side on their way. Doak was named by the top team coach last month, and the front combination were on fire to make Clarke’s visit in Motherwell en way to Lille worthwhile before Tuesday’s friendly with France.

The Liverpool star scored his first U21 penalty to settle matters after Bowie’s early brace. Doak was substituted after 61 minutes of thrashing Hungary. He may be promoted to the first team before Tuesday. On this evidence, the child who’s fast-tracked his way into Jurgen Klopp’s star-studded Anfield team might be called up.

Meanwhile, Tsimikas contributed to Greece’s Euro 2024 qualifying victory over the Republic of Ireland by providing a fantastic cross that led to the game’s first goal.

France, led by Ibrahima Konate, beat the Netherlands, captained by Virgil van Dijk, 2-1 in Amsterdam in another preliminary round match. Both central defenders for the Reds had extensive playing time.

And Diogo Jota came off the bench to help Portugal beat Slovakia 3-2 at home.

Trent Alexander-Arnold started for England in their friendly against Australia and played the full 90 minutes, with Ollie Watkins’s second-half goal being the difference at Wembley Stadium.

His risky cross from far into the area was redirected by Jack Grealish and finished by Watkins for the game-winning goal.

Wataru Endo played for Japan for a little over an hour earlier today in their 4-1 friendly win against Canada in Niigata.