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Italy and England with victories in the Nations League, France held to a goalless draw

France was held to a 0-0 draw against Israel in Paris but kept their chances for the top spot in their Nations League group alive. The visitors’ goalkeeper, David Peretz, delivered a stunning performance, making a series of crucial saves that earned Israel their first point in Group 2 of League A. Didier Deschamps’ side dominated with 24 shots, eight on target, but failed to find the back of the net. Despite the draw, France secured a quarterfinal berth with 10 points, while group leaders Italy sit at 13 points ahead of their upcoming clash in Milan.

The Italians ensured their passage to the quarterfinals in the Nations League after a 1-0 victory over Belgium in the penultimate match of Group 2. Sandro Tonali scored the decisive goal in the 11th minute, marking his first international goal for the Azzurri.

Meanwhile, England climbed to the top of Group 2 in League B of the Nations League with a commanding 3-0 victory over Greece in Athens. The Three Lions avenged their 2-1 loss to the same opponent at Wembley in October and ended the hosts’ perfect record. With both teams tied at 12 points, England now holds the advantage in the head-to-head results and will secure first place with a win against the Republic of Ireland in their final match. Goals from Ollie Watkins, an own goal by Odysseas Vlachodimos, and a brilliant strike by Curtis Jones on his international debut sealed England’s win.



 Author: Paul Kemp

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