The final batch of matches for European teams in this international break saw World Cup qualifying continue around the continent.

Having been named UEFA Player of the Year following his role in Chelsea’s Champions League win and Italy’s triumph at Euro 2020, Jorginho was handed the captain’s armband by Azzurri manager Roberto Mancini on the occasion of his 38th cap for the country.

The evening was made even more memorable for the midfielder, though, as he led his team to an emphatic 5-0 victory over Lithuania in front of the Italian fans, who gave Jorginho a standing ovation when he was substituted after an hour. That result leaves Italy unbeaten and five points clear at the top of their group, albeit having played two games more than second-placed Switzerland.

There was also a big win for Germany, who had Rudiger and Werner in their starting line-up, with Kai Havertz joining them from the bench at half-time. However, it was the defender of that trio who got his name on the scoresheet first in a 4-0 victory in Iceland. Rudiger did well to create space for himself at the back post before meeting Leon Goretzka’s floated free-kick with a brilliant header, powering the ball across goal and into the bottom corner for his second international goal, four years after the first.

Werner and Havertz had both gone close to adding to Germany’s tally, being denied by good saves from veteran goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson, before combining for the late fourth goal. Havertz cleverly slid the ball left to his Chelsea team-mate in the box and, although Halldorsson got a hand to his low shot, this time he could only divert it onto the post, where Havertz went to follow in but left it to roll across the line for Werner’s third goal in six international matches.

Mason Mount played the full 90 minutes for England away against a stubborn Poland. Featuring in a central attacking-midfield role, he combined well with Jack Grealish to provide the Three Lions’ creative hub, but they had to be patient for the breakthrough as Poland frustrated the visitors. It looked like Harry Kane’s powerful long-range goal with just under 20 minutes left would be enough for a win, but England conceded an injury-time equaliser to Poland’s first shot on target of the second half to end their 100 per cent record. Reece James was an unused substitute in that game.

That saw England’s lead at the top of Group I cut to four points, as Armando Broja scored in a 5-0 win for second-placed Albania against San Marino. The young striker came on as a half-time substitute with the score 1-0 and made a big impact, setting up their second and then finding the net himself three minutes later as Albania opened the floodgates.

In Group E, Michy Batshuayi started as the central striker for a much-changed Belgium side, playing the first 84 minutes as they had to settle for a narrow 1-0 win in Belarus, with Batshuayi being booked for leaving the pitch too slowly as he was substituted. It was also a frustrating night for Ethan Ampadu and Wales. He will be happy with a clean sheet after playing the whole match at centre-back, but they were unable to find a goal in a 0-0 home draw with Estonia despite dominating the game.

Elsewhere, Cesar Azpilicueta came off the bench to play the last half-an-hour of Spain’s 2-0 victory away at Kosovo, leaving them four points clear at the top of their group, having played two extra games.