INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Fran Merida- Spain 3 Turkey 0
Arsenal’s Fran Merida completed 45 minutes yesterday as Spain took a giant step towards qualification for this summer’s UEFA u-19 European Championships which take place in Czech Republic in July. Having overcome Ukraine in their first fixture, Spain knew that a victory against Turkey would edge them closer to the finals. Merida again started the game in midfield and his neat passes set up several openings early on. However, Merida was replaced by Ivan Bolado at the break. Parejo gave Spain the lead early in the second half and then Fran’s replacement Bolado made it 2-0 on 62 minutes. Reported Arsenal target Ignasio Camacho then sealed the win eight minutes from time with a sweet strike. Spain’s final fixture is against Armenia on Tuesday and Fran is expected to recover in time for that one. Spain sit top of the group on six points with Ukraine and Turkey both below them on three points each.
Nacer Barazite- Russia 2 Netherlands 2
Nacer Barazite was in action as the Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw by Russia in their opening game of the Elite Qualifying Round. The Netherlands take on Greece tomorrow looking for their first win in the qualifiers.
Kieran Gibbs- England v Poland
Kieran could be in action tomorrow as the Three Lions begin their Elite round qualification campaign with a clash against Poland in Group 1.
Armand Traore- France v Switzerland
Armand is likely to feature as France look to get their Elite round qualiying campaign off to a good start against Switzerland tomorrow in Group 6. France are in a tough group with the likes of Sweden and Italy so a win tomorrow could be vital.
LOANEES NEWS
Pedro Botelho- Salamanca v Racing Club Ferrol
Pedro could start as Salamanca take on Racing Club Ferrol tonight in Liga BBVA.
Fran Merida- Tenerife 1 Real Sociedad 2
Fran missed out because of his international commitments, but Sociedad still managed to overcome Tenerife 2-1.
