Sean Steur made his debut for Netherlands Under-21s as seven Newcastle United players were in action for their countries on Friday evening, with the international window starting to ramp up.
United have a total of 22 players away on duty across the world, with Lewis Hall set to feature for England over the coming weeks. It was predominantly the turn of the U21 players to feature last night, although summer signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo was involved for Belgium against Italy.
Fernandez-Pardo in Belgium win
The £51m deadline day signing came on for the final minutes of Belgium's 2-0 victory over Italy in the Nations League Group A game in Rome. Fernandez-Pardo had to be happy with a place on the bench, but replaced goalscorer Mika Godts in the final stages, with his side already two goals ahead thanks to a second from Dodi Lukebakio.
Former Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali played the full 90 minutes for the Italians as his difficult start to the season continues. Belgium face France at home on Monday night before games against Turkey and the away match against the French.
Miley unused for England U21s
The United midfielder didn't get on to the field as England Under-21s beat Kazakhstan 4-2 at Molineux. Jobe Bellingham and Archie Gray started ahead of Miley in central midfield, with an own goal from Ali Turganov and further efforts from Josh Acheampong, Max Alleyne and Will Lankshear sealing the win for Lee Carsley's side. Miley will be hoping for some gametime in the remaining fixtures against Slovakia and Ireland.
Young Newcastle goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen played the full game as France U21s drew 1-1 in Iceland in their EURO 21 qualifier, but it was a familiar story for midfielder Aladji Bamba, who was an unused sub. Tottenham's Mathys Tel opened the scoring for France, but Daniel Tristan Gudjohnsen levelled in the second half. France remain top of Group C and have further games against Estonia, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
Steur's rapid rise continues
The 18-year-old's rapid rise continued when he came on as a late sub for Netherlands Under-21s in their goalless draw against Norway. Steur replaced Kees Smit, a man Newcastle have had plenty of transfer interest in, with seven minutes to go for his debut for his country at U21 level. The Netherlands will now face Slovenia and Bosnia in their remaining two fixtures.
The two Newcastle loanees played the full 90 minutes for the Republic of Ireland's U21s as they recorded a 2-0 victory in Slovenia. Finneran has impressed for Notts County this season, while Murphy is on loan at German side Kaiserslautern, and both are key players for Ireland U21s. They host Kazakhstan on Tuesday before England head to Ireland on October 6.
