Reguilón, Sissoko Only Tottenham Stars in Action on Day 1
By Aaron Coe
No Toby, But Familiar Faces for Belgium
Toby Alderweireld was drafted into the Belgium National team for this round but was not even on the bench of their match-up with Switzerland. Whereas Sergio Reguilón came on as an injury replacement that would not even be possible for Alderweireld, who was joined by Romelo Lukaku and Eden Hazzard in the stands.
With Alderweireld it would seem to have little interest to Spurs, except for two starters for Belgium being former Spurs. Both Jan Vertonghen, now in Portugal with Benfica, and Nacer Chadli, now with Istanbul Basaksehir in the Turkish Super League, started for Belgium. Both Chadli and Vertonghen were removed just short of the hour mark a little after the Red Devils had tied the score. Belgium would go on to use six substitutes and win 2-1.
Sissoko But No Hugo
Moussa Sissoko started and played a full 90 minutes for France in their friendly, which they lost at home to Finland 0-2. France gave up two goals in less than five minutes just before and after the half-hour mark. Despite dominating possession 72 to 28 and outshooting Finland 24 to 6, France could not find the target and get back into the match.
Despite the shot advantage, Finland managed the same three shots on target as France did. As for Sissoko, he set up a few shots for the right people, Martial, Griezmann, and N’Zonzi and took two shots of his own which missed the target. Add in a couple fouls committed and another foul drawn, and it sounds like your typical Moussa Sissoko all action performance.
Who is Up Next for Tottenham?
Thursday continues a full slate of action for Tottenham players with as many as nine Tottenham Hotspur players taking part. There are the three boys from Wales in Gareth Bale, Joe Rodon, and Ben Davies, as well as three lads for England in Eric Dier, Harry Winks, and Harry Kane. All six, along with Matt Doherty are in Friendly matches, with Wales facing Team USA, and England hosting the Republic of Ireland.
Serge Aurier has the most important game of the day as he is likely to captain Ivory Coast against Madagascar in the first of a home and home Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Following Thursday’s game, Serge and company go to Madagascar to play next Tuesday. But that is next Tuesday. Finally, Gedson Fernandes has been once again called to the Portuguese U-21 team for European U-21 Championship qualifiers.
Good luck to all the Spurs in action and stay safe.