Mixed results for international Toffees

There were mixed fortunes for Everton’s international players on yet another busy night of qualifying action.

Maarten Stekelenburg continued his international comeback with a starting place for the Netherlands against France in Amsterdam.

However, it would be an unhappy night for the 34-year-old who could only parry Paul Pogba’s long-range shot into the net.

Stekelenburg made several key saves later in the match to keep the Netherlands in it but Oranje couldn’t find an equaliser at the other end.

It was a much more comfortable night for Belgium as they thrashed minnows Gibraltar 6-0 including a goal after just seven seconds by Christian Benteke.

Kevin Mirallas played the final 25 minutes in Faro while Romelu Lukaku, nursing a knock from Saturday’s win over Bosnia, was an unused substitute.

Gerard Deulofeu captained Spain U21s in a 5-0 win against Estonia, the winger seeing a spectacular late free-kick disallowed by the referee as it was indirect.

Earlier in the day Callum Connolly captained England U20s to a 2-0 win over USA while Tom Davies featured for England U19s in a 2-1 victory against Bulgaria.

On Sunday Seamus Coleman once again skippered Ireland to a hard-earned 3-1 win in Moldova to lift them to second in Group D.

James McCarthy also played 80 minutes for Ireland as he continued his comeback from a groin injury.

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

There was frustration for Ashley Williams though as Wales could only draw at home to Georgia in Cardiff.

Bryan Oviedo was a late substitute in a 4-3 friendly win for Costa Rica against Russia.

Meanwhile youngster Morgan Feeney captained England U18s to a 2-1 win against Sweden.