OCTOBER INTERNATIONAL ROUND-UP

Wales’ Roberts and Hennessey meet Vydra’s Czech Republic

Connor Roberts and Wayne Hennessey were part of the Wales squad that played out an exciting 2-2 draw against Matej Vydra’s Czech Republic.

While goalkeeper Hennessey was an unused substitute, both Roberts and Vydra featured in the Group E clash, that saw Wales take the lead on 36 minutes through Aaron Ramsey.

Jakub Pešek equalised minutes later for the Czech Republic, before an own goal from Wales keeper Danny Ward gave them the lead shortly after the break. But Wales fought back to take a point thanks to a strike from Daniel James.

The result leaves Czech Republic second in the group, while Wales also have eight points but sit third on goal difference.

Next up for Roberts and Hennessey is a trip to Estonia, while Vydra’s Czechs take on Belarus.

Wood on target in New Zealand win

Striker Chris Wood got his international break off to a perfect start with a goal for New Zealand in their 2-1 international friendly win over Curaçao.

Wood’s 33rd minute strike helped New Zealand to take a 2-0 lead in the first half, which marked his 25th goal for his country.

Qualifying for the 2022 World Cup is set to resume for the All Whites next year, meaning the win over Curaçao will provide excellent preparation for Wood and company.

Peacock-Farrell unable to prevent Northern Ireland defeat

Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, was unable to prevent Northern Ireland from slipping to a 2-0 defeat away to Switzerland.

Goals from Steven Zuber and Christian Fassnacht confined Peacock-Farrell’s side to a defeat in which left-back Jamal Lewis was sent off for a second booking after time wasting during a throw in.

Peacock-Farrell is back between the sticks on Tuesday as third-placed Northern Ireland take on Bulgaria and close the gap on Italy and Switzerland in Group C.

Elsewhere around the globe...

Nathan Collins was an unused substitute in the Republic of Ireland’s impressive 3-0 win over Azerbaijan. Stephen Kenny’s side took a 2-0 lead heading into half time thanks to a brace from striker Callum Robinson.

And a 90th minute strike from Chiedozie Ogbene wrapped things up for Ireland in their Group A World Cup qualifier.

Collins could feature in Tuesday’s friendly clash against Qatar, who will be hosting the 2022 World Cup next December.

Summer signing Maxwel Cornet did not feature for Ivory Coast in their 3-0 win over Malawi.

Prior to the international break, Cornet tweaked his hamstring in the Clarets’ 2-2 draw against Leicester, in which the winger opened his Burnley account with a first-half goal.

He could play some part in their second group qualifier against Malawi on Monday night