In League A Group 2, France needed a victory to keep the pressure on leaders Italy and a 35th-minute penalty from Randall Kolo Muani put Didier Deschamps' side ahead against Belgium, for whom Youri Tielemans had missed an earlier spot-kick.

Lois Openda pulled the hosts level in first-half stoppage time following a VAR check, but Kolo Muani restored France's advantage just after the hour mark.

It was in the 74 minute that Nkunku, who scored his first international goal against Israel on Thursday, replaced Bradley Barcola. Moments after his introduction, however, Les Bleus were reduced to ten men when Aurelien Tchouameni was shown a second yellow card.

Nkunku's threat was restricted as a result but he did play his role in ensuring France, who also had Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana among their substitutes, claimed three points.

Meanwhile, in League B Group 1, Mudryk played the full 90 minutes as his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Czechia.

The deadlock was broken in the fixture, played at the Wrocław Stadium in Poland, when Lukas Cerv netted for the Czechs in the 18th minute. However, an Artem Dovbyk penalty early in the second period restored parity and ensured Ukraine secured a point.

After four matches, Ukraine are bottom of League B Group 1, but there remains all to play for with just three points between them and Czechia, who sit top.

Away from senior level, there was a first England Under-20 start for Josh Acheampong, who helped his side record a 3-0 victory over Czechia in Doncaster.

Acheampong started at right-back for the Young Lions, who struck just before the half-time interval through Max Dean, the 20-year-old forward who featured for Gent in our recent Conference League clash at Stamford Bridge.

Dean claimed his second in the 58th minute with a curled effort and Kaide Gordon quickly added a third for the hosts.

Acheampong was withdrawn soon after but further Chelsea representation came in the shape of Academy goalkeeper Max Merrick, who was handed his England Under-20s debut with 11 minutes left to play. He kept a clean sheet during his time on the pitch.

At under-19 level, Frankie Runham came off the bench for England in their 3-1 victory over Ukraine.

A brace from Tottenham's Callum Olusesi and a goal from West Ham's Airidas Golambeckis helped the Young Lions to victory, with Runham featuring in the final seven minutes. Blues duo Ollie Harrison and Olutayo Subuloye were unused substitutes.

There was a start for Genesis Antwi with Sweden Under-18s against Japan, but our young defender couldn't help his side avoid a 4-1 defeat.