Monday’s briefing: Scotland deal with relegation and England prepare for Latvia

Scotland were relegated from the top tier of the Nations League after losing 3-0 to Greece in their play-off second leg at Hampden.

The Republic of Ireland kept themselves in League B after coming from behind to beat Bulgaria in Dublin.

Monday night will see England take on Latvia at Wembley looking to make it two wins from two under new boss Thomas Tuchel.

Sobering night for Scotland

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke hopes there is a silver lining from their 3-0 home defeat by Greece which saw them drop back to the second tier of the Nations League.

Clarke’s side had gone into the game on a high after winning 1-0 in the away leg on Thursday, but they were two down on aggregate inside 46 minutes and never looked like getting back into the game.

“We didn’t have enough energy in the team,” Clarke said. “Greece had more energy. They were a little bit sharper. The best team won on the night.”

Evan Ferguson lights up Dublin

Evan Ferguson scored his first goal since November as the Republic of Ireland preserved their Nations League B status with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Bulgaria.

The Bulgarians, trailing 2-1 from the first leg, took the lead on the half hour through midfielder Valentin Antov.

Ferguson netted his fifth senior international goal with 27 minutes remaining before substitute Adam Idah struck after coming off the bench to secure another 2-1 win.

Nations League final four set

European champions Spain and France both needed a penalty shoot-out to secure a place in the Nations League semi-finals, along with Germany and Portugal.

Spain held off a fightback from the Netherlands, after their game ended 5-5 on aggregate following a 3-3 draw after extra time on night of high drama in Valencia.

France beat Croatia 2-0 to force a shoot-out in which Mike Maignan saved two spot-kicks, while Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty before later scoring as Portugal saw off Denmark 5-2 after extra time in Lisbon.

Germany survived a second-half comeback from Italy after a 3-3 draw in Dortmund saw the hosts progress 5-4 on aggregate.

Thomas Tuchel, England’s Special One?

England midfielder Declan Rice feels Thomas Tuchel has something “special” as he bids to lead the nation to World Cup glory.

The German began his reign with a qualifying win over Albania on Friday, and England’s Group K schedule continues against Latvia at Wembley on Monday.

“I think just how he is as a person, his whole character, he’s been amazing,” Rice said.

“Like on the training pitch, how he puts his arm around you, just makes you feel loved and welcome.

“As a player I think that’s such a special thing, to feel loved by your manager. It gives you the confidence to go out there and really, really perform.”

WSL leaders Chelsea leave it late

Substitute Erin Cuthbert headed a stoppage-time winner as Chelsea came from behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium and go eight points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League with five games remaining.

Chelsea had been beaten by City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in midweek, which ended a 31-game unbeaten run stretching back to last May.

Later on Sunday, Grace Clinton scored from 40 yards as Manchester United coasted to a 4-0 win at Aston Villa that kept them on course for Champions League qualification.

What’s on today?

All eyes will be on Wembley when England play their second World Cup qualifier against Latvia, with new boss Tuchel looking to maintain his perfect start to the job.

England Under-21s host Portugal in a friendly at The Hawthorns, while Republic of Ireland Under-21s play Hungary in Murcia, Spain.

Elsewhere, Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill will hold a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s friendly in Sweden.