Danny Welbeck and Raheem Sterling: Set to miss out on a trip to Italy
Raheem Sterling, Leighton Baines and James Milner will not play in Tuesday's friendly in Italy with Danny Welbeck also a concern after picking up knocks in the win against Lithuania.
However, it wasn't all good news with Liverpool forward Sterling suffering a toe injury, Manchester City's Milner carrying a knee problem and left-back Baines set to return to his club Everton.
England boss Roy Hodgson was delighted with his team's showing but expressed particular concern over two of his star performers on the night at Wembley - Arsenal striker Welbeck, who scored just before half-time, and Sterling, stretchered off late on.
"It all went right apart from Welbeck's injury towards the end of the game which has soured it a bit," Hodgson said.
We'll be short of a few players for a game that means a lot to us and to me. But I'm delighted with tonight's performance and for Harry Kane
Roy Hodgson
"We hope it's not serious, but it'll probably keep him out of Tuesday, which is a disappointment particularly as we'd already lost Daniel Sturridge (through injury on Monday).
"Welbeck has had a tweak to the knee, when he dived with the goalkeeper. We were planning to take him off anyway. He's being assessed by the medical staff, but we won't get a proper idea until Saturday.
"The medical staff gave me the impression they're not terribly worried about it, but that Tuesday may be too soon. But we'll see."
"It is two blows for us," Hodgson told ITV. "Raheem Sterling was waiting for an injection on his toe - he has been waiting for a while.
"He's been playing through a situation, getting himself ready each week to get on the field of play. He did it again tonight, which is terrific. But he doesn't need to continue those shows of bravery. It's important he gets it put right for us and Liverpool.
"They think this injection will help him get through the rest of the season and join us and beat Slovenia (in June).
"If we're unlucky we will lose him and Danny Welbeck (for the game against Italy). They're important players in the system we're trying to play, but it will give opportunities for other players."
Hodgson confirmed that uncapped Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand has been invited to join the squad for Tuesday's friendly in Turin. Hodgson will have 21 players for the match in the country where he enjoyed spells with Inter Milan and Udinese.
"We'll be short of a few players for a game that means a lot to us and to me," he added. "But I'm delighted with tonight's performance and for Harry Kane."
Alvaro Morata: Celebrates scoring the only goal of the game for Spain
Alvaro Morata scored in his first start for Spain to help secure a 1-0 win at home over Ukraine and sole possession of second place in Group C, while Slovakia retained its spot at the top.
Starting in place of the injured Diego Costa, Morata chipped in the game's only goal in the 18th minute after receiving an exquisite pass from Jorge 'Koke' Resurreccion.
It also took their unbeaten streak on Spanish soil to 30 straight competitive matches, a run dating back to June 2003.
A minute of silence was held at Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville before kickoff in memory of victims of the Germanwings airplane tragedy.
Slovakia kept Luxembourg at the bottom of the group from first-half goals by Adam Nemec, Vladimir Weiss and Peter Pekarik in a 3-0 win. Belarusfought back 2-1 at Macedonia to leapfrog the hosts into fourth place.
Slovenia remained in the second automatic qualification place in England's Group E by routing bottom-placed San Marino 6-0.
Switzerland stayed third after beating Estonia 3-0, making it 11 goals without conceding on a three-game winning run.
A Russian player was hit by a flare after 20 seconds in Montenegro before a brawl between the two teams' players eventually resulted in the match being abandoned on Friday.
Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was taken to a hospital after collapsing to the field when he was struck on the head by a flare. It was 30 minutes before the game resumed.
But after Russia's Roman Shirokov missed a penalty in the 66th minute with the score at 0-0, players and staff from both teams shoved one another.
Russia and Montenegro are third and fourth respectively in Group G, both with five points from four games. Austria remained top with a 5-0 rout ofLiechtenstein, four points ahead of Sweden, who beat Moldova 2-0 thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's double.
United forward Radamel Falcao has struggled for both form and fitness while on loan at Old Trafford this season
Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao may have scored twice for Colombia this week but his Old Trafford future remains in doubt.
Falcao made a deadline-day move from Monaco on a season-long loan deal worth £6m last summer, with United given an option to make his stay permanent for the sum of £43.5m.
But having seen him score just four times in 22 matches, United are not expected to pursue a deal for a 29-year-old earning a reported £280,000 a week.
Falcao has admitted he "needs to play" and while his representative says he could return to the Stade Louis II at the end of the season, he claims his client will not be short of offers from some of the world’s biggest teams.
But which other clubs might want want to take a chance on a man who was a prolific scorer for Porto, Atletico Madrid and Monaco before suffering a knee ligament injury 14 months ago? Here are five possible destinations for Falcao next season…
Liverpool
Liverpool look set to offload misfiring frontman Mario Balotelli this summer, creating room for a new attacker at Anfield
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers enquired about Falcao’s availability last summer as the Merseysiders sought a replacement for the recently departed Luis Suarez, only to be told the player had his heart set on a move to Real Madrid.
But according to reports in the English press, the Reds are set to rekindle their interest in the Colombia forward, with Mario Balotelli’s ill-fated spell at the club to be brought to a premature end this summer.
Rickie Lambert has also struggled to justify his move to Anfield, and while Daniel Sturridge continues to be plagued by fitness worries Rodgers looks sure be in the market for attacking reinforcements next season.
Juventus
Striker Carlos Tevez may not still be at the Bianconeri next season
Juventus managing director Giuseppe Moratta revealed in October that the Serie A champions had been in talks to sign Falcao on loan last summer, before United came in to gazump them with a higher offer.
"We were following him and there was contact," Marotta told RAI TV. "We were very close to (signing) Falcao and the player preferred Italy and our colours, but then United came forward and they have much more spending power than we do so the deal broke down."
However, Juve do look set to buy a new striker next season with Carlos Tevez - who only has one year left on his current deal - unlikely to extend his contract and doubts growing over Fernando Llorente’s future at the club.
So could Falcao be on his way to the Old Lady of Italian football? Newspaper reports have claimed talks between the two parties have already taken place.
Chelsea
Radamel Falcao (R) and his agent Jorge Mendes (L)
According to claims in the English media this week Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is weighing up an end-of-season move for Falcao.
Diego Costa may be the Premier League’s current joint-top scorer with 19 goals in his debut campaign, but the striker’s ongoing hamstring problems have affected his appearances for the club.
Back-up forward Didier Drogba is now 37 and, were he to hang up his boots this summer, only Loic Remy would remain as senior support for Costa.
A loan swoop for Falcao could be a possibility - especially given Mourinho and the Colombian share the same agent in Jorge Mendes.
Atletico Madrid
Could Los Che boss Diego Simeone help Falcao get his career back on track in the Spanish capital again next season?
The Spanish media is adamant that Falcao has his heart set on a return to former club Atletico Madrid.
Falcao spent two hugely successful campaigns at the Vicente Calderon, scoring an impressive 70 goals in just 90 appearances in all competitions between 2011 and 2013.
And with Atleti forward Mario Mandzukic rumoured to be on his way out of the La Liga champions at the end of the season, coach Diego Simeone may be tempted to gamble on the belief he can reinvigorate Falcao's career like he has done with fellow frontman Fernando Torres.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs centre-forward Emmanuel Adebayor has once again found first-team opportunities limited at White Hart Lane this campaign
If Falcao is keen to remain in the Premier League, Tottenham could be a possible next port of call.
While Spurs striker Harry Kane has - along with Costa - scored 19 league goals this season, there is little in attacking reserve behind the England international at White Hart Lane. Emmanuel Adebayor has once again been a bit-part player at the club and, with just a year left on his contract, is expected to leave north London this summer.
Fellow striker Roberto Soldado has scored just once in 18 league games and could also be offloaded.
If those two high earners do leave Tottenham, then there may be space available on the club’s wage bill for coach Mauricio Pochettino to try to entice his fellow South American to the club on a big-money contract.
Harry Kane described his England debut as a dream come true
Harry Kane said his debut goal for England was "a dream come true" after scoring 78 seconds after coming on in the 4-0 win over Lithuania at Wembley.
England boss Roy Hodgson picked Danny Welbeck ahead of the in-form Tottenham striker, but brought Kane on 70 minutes.
He headed home Raheem Sterling's cross just moments later, and is now pushing for a start in England's friendly in Italy on Tuesday.
He told Sky Sports: "It's a dream come true. Obviously I was very excited to make my debut, and to score as well is what I dreamed of as a little kid. A special night, a proud night, and one I won't be forgetting for a while.
"The lads played great, and it's great to get the three points as well. I just want to be here, playing for England and scoring goals, it's my first taste of it and I loved it."
The Wembley crowd reacted well to Kane's introduction in the second half, and the 21-year-old was moved by the reception.
"It was quite loud, again to hear the fans give me a reception like that on my debut, it was unbelievable."
Kane says he is ready to start his first game for England on Tuesday in Italy, and insists his team-mates are in positive form.
"That's down to the boss, what he wants to do on Tuesday. I'll be ready, raring to go. The lads have been great, have picked up some really good results home and away."
England captain Wayne Rooney was replaced by Harry Kane
England extended their winning run in Euro 2016 qualification to five games with a dominant 4-0 victory over Lithuania at Wembley.
Goals from Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Raheem Sterling and debutant Harry Kane claimed another three points for Roy Hodgson's side, who look on course for next year's finals in France.
We caught up with former England and Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee, who was covering the game live on Sky Sports News HQ, for his assessment on each players' performance.
Joe Hart – 8
"He didn’t have much to do did he? I don’t think Lithuania had a shot on target. Joe’s in great form, he’s our No 1 'keeper and both he and the defence looked very assured. I can’t fault him."
Nathaniel Clyne – 7.5
"He wasn’t as good as when I’ve seen him play for Southampton and he gave the ball away a few times. But he did try to get down the line, get crosses in and he did provide some decent support down the flanks."
Gary Cahill – 7.5
"He did everything that was asked of him, although he didn’t have much to do. What he had to do he did well, very well."
Phil Jones – 7.5
"I couldn’t split Jones or Cahill. Bar a half-chance in the first half, which Jones blocked, neither of them were tested."
Leighton Baines – 7.5
"His deliveries were not as good as they usually were. His delivery is at such a high standard that you expect them to be pinpoint every time. Both full-backs tried to get forward because that’s what England need at the moment, for their full-backs to create space in the final third."
Jordan Henderson – 7
"He did exactly what he’s been doing for Liverpool. He is trying to get forward to add goals in to his game. Tonight he was probably overshadowed by others, but he was solid nonetheless."
Michael Carrick – 8
"He was very good. People have under-rated him for a long time. United have benefitted from his return from injury and England are certainly better with him in the side."
Fabian Delph - 7
"Great, energetic display from Delph, he got around the pitch. I’d like to see him practise his finishing because he had a couple of good chances tonight. I like midfielders who get forward and can contribute with the odd goal."
Raheem Sterling – 8
"He was OK in the first half but in the second half he came alive, Lithuania couldn’t cope with his pace and trickery. He looked back to his best tonight, but he’s got to produce that game-in, game-out to reach the top level in international football."
Danny Welbeck – 9
"The best player on the pitch and the best I’ve seen him play for England for a long, long time. Perhaps the pressure of Harry Kane coming into the squad had something to do with it. Wherever you play Danny he gives you 100 per cent, and he could have had two or three tonight."
Wayne Rooney – 7.5
"Rooney was quiet by his standards but he led the line so well yet again. We expect him to be incredible every game, but he was as good as anybody else bar Welbeck."
Substitutes
Harry Kane – 7
"He had the dream debut. Came on, had one touch and then scored. Everyone is trying to keep a lid on Harry Kane, but if he carries on doing what he’s doing everyone will be shouting about him. He did very well, scored a goal and looked dangerous."
Ross Barkley – 6
"He’s a very talented guy and I love watching him play. He was very comfortable on the ball tonight. Yes he gave it away a few times, but he is a young, creative player who's continuing to develop."
Theo Walcott – 6
"He’s not back to his best yet; he was offside once when Kane put him through towards the end. But it’s very difficult when you come on towards the end of a game to have an impact."
As we approach the end of another pulsating Premier League campaign, we look at the goalkeepers who've made a difference this season.
Being a goalkeeper is not an enviable job given the scrutiny even the slightest mistake brings, but our list certainly excel in the limelight.
We have selected five of the top performers and the best of the rest but leave it to you to decide who from the list is the standout stopper between the sticks in 2014/15...
David de Gea
David de Gea: Has become one of the top 'keepers in Europe
“David de Gea, this year, is unbelievable,” Louis van Gaal eulogised last month. “In my career I have had a lot of good goalkeepers. For example, Edwin van der Sar was one of my goalkeepers and (Victor) Valdes also with Barcelona, but De Gea is having a great season.”
High praise indeed. The Spaniard who, worryingly for Manchester United fans, has been tipped to become the successor to Iker Casillas' throne at Real Madrid, has often been the saviour for the 20-time top flight champions as Van Gaal’s revolution has been slow to take off.
While United’s rearguard has floundered, De Gea has stayed at the top of his game. Van Gaal’s men have made 25 errors leading to shots this season, the second most in the league, but only twice has that led to a goal.
Matches against West Ham, Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool and Southampton stand out, with De Gea almost single-handedly bailing out a lacklustre United.
Gary Neville has been the biggest exponent of De Gea’s ability this season, and admitted being taken aback by the 24-year-old’s turnaround: “If you look at the improvements he has made from where he was three years ago, it is absolutely staggering.”
Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois: Played key role in Chelsea title bid
It would have seemed incomprehensible for Jose Mourinho to drop Petr Cech after his impressive 2013/14 campaign, in which he won the golden glove award for joint-most clean sheets in the Premier League (16). However, such is the remarkable talent of Courtois, the Czech Republic international is contemplating a departure from Stamford Bridge after a season spent mainly on the bench.
After being loaned out to Atletico Madrid for three years, where he helped Los Rojiblancos wrestle the La Liga title away from Barcelona, Courtois has become a key figure for the Blues. “He looked totally cold and clinical and in control. The most important thing was he wanted to dominate the game when he came out for the crosses,” Gary Neville proclaimed as he considered why Courtois’ selection over Cech is justified.
The ability to catch rather than punch – a trait lauded in England – is among the reasons Courtois has impressed this term. The Belgian stopper has completed 58 catches, 20 more than his illustrious competitors in this list.
Joe Hart
England’s No 1 is always under scrutiny, but, on the biggest stage of all, Hart showed the world he is still very much at the top of his game by thwarting a Barcelona onslaught in the Champions League. Hart's performance at the Nou Camp allowed Manchester City to exit Europe’s premier club competition without being humiliated.
“He was phenomenal, he stopped everything. We have to congratulate him on a great game because he's a fantastic goalkeeper.” Praise from Lionel Messi just holds a great deal more gravitas.
Hart has conceded a goal every 105 minutes so far this campaign which, considering City’s own defensive struggles this season, is a fine effort.
After Manchester City's 1-0 defeat to Barcelona, Jamie Redknapp, Theirry Henry and Jamie Carragher analyse Joe Hart's performance at the Nou Camp.
The 27-year-old has had plenty of competition at City, and has been dropped from the side on several occasions, but it seemed to only make him stronger.
“A lot of goalkeepers might have thought 'this isn't for me' but he's been brilliant,” Jamie Redknapp said, acknowledging that the best goalkeepers have to overcome dips in form. It is that ability that separates the great from the good.
Fraser Forster
Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster celebrates
Who would have thought it? After the departure of three key defenders in the summer, the Saints were supposed to struggle in this campaign. But, despite the loss of Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers and Dejan Lovren, Ronald Koemen’s men have the best defensive record in the Premier League.
England ‘keeper Forster has amassed 13 clean sheets – two more than his nearest challenger. With an imposing 6ft 7in frame, Forster is a blocker as well as a fantastic shot-stopper, as he proved in a fine performance at Stamford Bridge in a recent draw with Chelsea.
“He helped the team from his goalkeeping and we know he is one of the best in Europe,” Koeman exclaimed, and with such a fine record, the Dutch supremo's words certainly hold a great deal of resonance. A broken kneecap will sideline the 'keeper for six months – a sad end to such an impressive season.
Simon Mignolet
Simon Mignolet: does he make enough big saves for Liverpool?
Simon Mignolet was dropped by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers in December after a nervy start to the new season but, since his return against Swansea in the club's final game of 2014, the Belgian has made an impressive recovery.
The Reds went on to keep six consecutive clean sheets away from home – equalling a 43-year record - and Soccer Saturday pundit Phil Thompson said: "This boy, for what he has done, and to come through what he has done, he has been absolutely terrific."
Of 'keepers at clubs in the top five, only De Gea (79) has made more saves than Mignolet's 64.
Guy Havord sits down with Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and discusses his form this season
Best of the Rest
Tottenham's Hugo Lloris was called "one of the best in the world" by manager Mauricio Pochettino, while Arsenal's David Ospina has registered the best save percentage of any 'keeper in the Premier League (81.82 per cent).
The number of shots faced is always going to be influenced by the quality of the 10 players in front of the goalie, so perhaps it isn’t a surprise to see thatRob Green of struggling QPR has made the most saves this season. West Ham's Adrian (104) and Swansea's Lukasz Fabianski complete the top three in that category (99).
Meanwhile, Hull’s Allan McGregor is the only goalkeeper to have saved more than one spot-kick this season (two).
So, who is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League?
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has agreed to extend his contract with the Spanish champions by three years to 2020.
The deal, announced on the Twitter feed of the champions, was widely expected although there was plenty of speculation a European rival could try to lure Simeone away from the club.
The former Argentina captain has transformed Atletico since taking over at the end of 2011, leading them to their first domestic league title in 18 years last term and putting them back among Europe's elite.
Atletico won the Europa League at the end of Simeone's debut season in charge and reached the final of the Champions League in 2013-14 where they lost 4-1 to Real Madrid after extra time.
They thrashed Chelsea 4-1 to claim the 2012 European Super Cup, won the King's Cup a year later by beating Real in the final and defeated their neighbours over two legs to secure the Spanish Super Cup in August.
"I have chosen to be here because I am convinced the club will continue to grow," Simeone told a news conference.
"Because it is strong, there is enthusiasm and there are people here whose desire to participate is stronger each day."
With the international break now upon us, Sky Sports is asking which players have been the Premier League's top performers so far this season?
We asked our partners at WhoScored.com to name the best 10 players in the English top flight, based on their statistically calculated ratings - and you can read the results below.
There are a couple of notable omissions from the list - including Tottenham striker Harry Kane, whose WhoScored rating of 7.43 is enough to rank 12th at present. The Spurs man took his league tally to the season for 19 with a hat-trick at the weekend but six substitute appearances at the start of the campaign hold his rating back. However, if he continues in the same vein between now and the end of the season, he should comfortably crack the top 10.
Elsewhere, the likes of Raheem Sterling (7.36), Branislav Ivanovic (7.35) andMartin Skrtel (7.35) narrowly miss out.
WHOSCORED.COM'S TOP 10 PLAYERS OF THE SEASON SO FAR
10. Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton) - 7.47
Morgan Schneiderlin has been central to Southampton's season as Ronald Koeman's side have surprised many. Only Pablo Zabaleta has averaged more tackles per game this season than the midfielder's 3.6, with an 89.4% pass accuracy from an average of 62 passes per game helping to earn a rating of 7.47 from WhoScored.com.
9. Yaya Toure (Manchester City) - 7.47
Some have criticised Yaya Toure's performances this season, but City's form in his absence during the Africa Cup of Nations highlighted his continued importance to the team. The 31-year old has scored seven league goals from midfield this season and averaged a league high of 90.7 passes per game for a WhoScored.com rating of 7.47 - down on last season's 7.55.
8. Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) - 7.51
There's very little denying that there are few more influential central midfielders in the Premier League than Nemanja Matic. The Serbian has made more tackles than any other player in England's top-flight this season (98), whilst also averaging 65.1 passes per game and completing 43 of 53 dribble attempts for a rating of 7.51 from WhoScored.com.
7. David Silva (Manchester City) - 7.52
Manchester City's silky Spaniard was at the heart of a dominant display against West Brom last time out, earning his third WhoScored man of the match award of the season after netting for the 11th time in the league. It's been Silva's best season in front of goal by a distance, bettering last season's tally of seven and only one player has created more chances per game in the Premier League this season (2.9). However, a tally of just three league assists means the playmaker's rating of 7.52 from WhoScored.com is not as high as it might have been.
6. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) - 7.58
Sergio Aguero is currently enduring a run of four league matches without a goal but it shouldn't be forgotten that with six assists to accompany his 17 league goals this season, no player has had a direct hand in more Premier League goals (23) than the City forward, with a subsequent rating of 7.58 from WhoScored.com.
5. Diego Costa (Chelsea) - 7.60
Chelsea's new talisman kept his goal tally ticking along to level Kane's total of 19 at the top of the scoring charts at the weekend, and his goals have pushed the Blues towards a likely Premier League title. The Spain international's haul this season has come from just 75 shots at goal - eight fewer than Kane and 38 fewer than Aguero - for an outstanding conversion rate of 25.3% and WhoScored rating of 7.60.
4. Santi Cazorla (Arsenal) - 7.65
Perhaps one of the more underrated performers this season has been Santi Cazorla, whose place at Arsenal was reportedly in doubt following the summer arrival of Alexis Sanchez. Cazorla has adapted to play in as many as six different starting positions this season, performing admirably in each and most recently flourishing in a deeper central role. With seven goals and eight assists thus far the Spaniard has had a superb season in all aspects, averaging 2.3 shots, 2.2 key passes, 2.4 dribbles and 1.7 tackles per game to earn a rating of 7.65 from WhoScored.com.
3. Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea) - 7.73
While Costa's goals have been instrumental to Chelsea's success, Cesc Fabregas' ability to pick out a team-mate in the final third has perhaps been what Jose Mourinho was most keen to add last summer. The Spaniard picked up his 16th league assist of the season at the weekend, which, with nine games still to play, is over double Chelsea's team high of seven from last season and three more than Steven Gerrard's league best of 13 in 2013/14. With no player creating more chances per game than the 27-year old this time around (three), he picks up a rating of 7.73.
2. Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal) - 7.84
Although the goals and assists have dried up a little for Alexis Sanchez of late, he has had a direct hand in 20 of Arsenal's league goals this season (13 goals, 7 assists). The Chilean's averages of 3.1 shots, 2.5 key passes and 3.5 dribbles per game rank among the top 10 players in the league for each category and his defensive graft has also been on display, averaging an impressive 2.1 tackles per game. A dip in form followed niggling injury problems but a WhoScored.com rating of 7.84 is enough to place second in their rankings.
1. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) - 8.02
To describe Chelsea's Eden Hazard as the runaway leader in WhoScored's ratings is perhaps the most fitting description. Hazard's trickery and direct style of play has come on even further this season, completing a quite remarkable 136 dribbles - 42 more than any other player - along with a league high of 80 key passes. With 11 goals and six assists to his name, the Belgian is clear out in front of the rest with a WhoScored.com rating of 8.02.
