The final round of international fixtures is now complete and saw Nathan Collins test himself against some of the best attackers in world football.
The Wolves defender impressed against France, while Pedro Neto added more vital minutes to his legs, as the March international fixtures concluded for Wolves’ contingent on Tuesday evening.
Rayan Ait-Nouri wasn’t able to add to his Algeria debut, but will reflect on a positive first experience away with his country, as Julen Lopetegui’s players now ready themselves for a return to the West Midlands.
Nathan Collins | Republic of Ireland 0-1 France
For Nathan Collins, tests couldn’t have come more sterner than World Cup finalists France on Monday evening, but the Republic of Ireland came so close to an unlikely point, with the Wolves man almost playing the starring role. Ultimately, Ireland made a losing start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, but the 1-0 defeat didn’t begin to tell the story of the contest. With Collins operating on the right side of a back three, Ireland held their opponents during the opening period, before Benjamin Pavard’s brilliant winner arrived after the break. However, Ireland continued to put the World Cup runners up under pressure and late on a brilliant header from the Wolves man forced a stunning fingertip save out of France goalkeeper Mike Maignan. While it was a defeat for Stephen Kenny’s side, they’ll take heart from their performance when they enter matchday number two against Greece in June.
Pedro Neto | Portugal U21s 3-0 Norway U21s
Following on from his brilliant strike for Portugal’s under-21s against Romania on Friday night, Neto added more minutes to his legs for his country on Tuesday. The wide man once again played the first half as Portugal ran out comfortable winners over Norway in a friendly. The Wolves man almost claimed an assist after just three minute and was a constant threat down the Portuguese left, both in an attaching and pressing sense. The winger now returns to Molineux with more minutes and a goal to his name, ready to kick on for the remainder of the Premier League season, with one eye on adding to his three senior Portugal caps in the summer.
Rayan Ait-Nouri | Niger 0-1 Algeria
Finally, Rayan Ait-Nouri’s hopes of appearing at the Africa Cup of Nations moved a step closer on Monday, as Algeria qualified for the finals, which will take place next winter. The Wolves man made his debut last Thursday against Niger, but remained on the bench as Algeria played he same opponent on Monday. This time Algeria claimed a 1-0 win to secure their perfect record in qualifying, finishing top of a group also featuring Tanzania and Uganda. That success at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Tunis saw Algeria become the first country to qualify for the finals, while the likes of Morocco and Senegal have since booked their place.
