Merida brace seals Spain victory

Fran Merida- Armenia 2 Spain 4

Arsenal’s Fran Merida hit a second-half brace to ensure that Spain ended their Elite round qualification campaign with three wins from three games. Having beaten Ukraine and Turkey 3-0 and 3-1 respectively, Spain’s place in this summer’s finals was already secure. Merida, who was withdrawn at half-time in the Turkey match as a precaution, kept his place in the starting line-up for this fixture. Spain looked clear favourites to win. However, Armenia lead 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Voskanyan and Gyozaylan. However, Spain came out fighting in the second half and goals from Ivan Bolado and Artak Antonyan drew them level. Then Merida scored twice in the final six minutes to seal the victory. Spain finish top of group 7, three points clear of their closest challengers Ukraine. Merida, currently on loan at Real Sociedad, becomes the first Arsenal player to secure his place in the finals, which will take place in the Czech Republic from July 14-26.

  Tomorrow, Kieran Gibbs could be in action as England take on Serbia in group 1, whilst Armand Traore’s France face Sweden in their second game. In two days time, Nacer Barazite’s Netherlands side play Moldova in a must-win game. The Dutch currently sit bottom of group 5 and qualification seems unlikely. 

Traore and Gibbs in action as France and England win

Armand Traore- France 3 Switzerland 2

Armand started the game at left-back as France beat Switzerland 3-2 in their opening Elite round qualifier. Dominique Malonga gave Les Bleus the lead on 31 minutes, but saw his effort cancelled out  by Fabian Frei’s 61st minute strike. Not to be outdone, Malonga struck again just two minutes later to make it 2-1 to France. Substitute Fabien Robert sealed the victory with his goal ten minutes from time. Frei scored a last minute penalty for the Swiss, but it turned out to be nothing but a mere consolation. France sit second in Group 6, behind Italy on goal difference. They take on Sweden tomorrow in their next fixture.

Kieran Gibbs- England 2 Poland 0 

Kieran started the game as England got their Elite round qualifying campaign off to a good start with a 2-0 victory over Poland, thanks to a brace from West Ham’s Freddie Sears. Freddie got his first on 29 minutes, and doubled his tally from the penalty spot with five minutes left. England are second in Group 1, behind Serbia on goal difference. They face Serbia tomorrow.

Nacer Barazite- Netherlands 1 Greece 2

Nacer was in action as The Netherlands fell to the bottom of Group 5 with a 2-1 defeat to Greece. They take on Moldova on Thursday in their final fixture.

Fran Merida’s Spain, who have already qualified for the finals face Armenia later today.