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Five players that impressed during the International break

By Callum Room

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 21: Memphis Depay of Holland Celebrates 3-0 during the EURO Qualifier match between Holland v Belarus at the Feyenoord Stadium on March 21, 2019 in Rotterdam Netherlands (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 21: Memphis Depay of Holland Celebrates 3-0 during the EURO Qualifier match between Holland v Belarus at the Feyenoord Stadium on March 21, 2019 in Rotterdam Netherlands (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 22: Raheem Sterling of England is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring his side’s third goal during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group A qualifying match between England and Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium on March 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 22: Raheem Sterling of England is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring his side’s third goal during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group A qualifying match between England and Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium on March 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) /

With club football on hold for the European Championship Qualifiers, European teams were looking to get off to a good start and gain vital qualification points ahead of Euro 2020 next summer. A number of players stepped up for their countries during these games, producing performances that impressed all round.

1) Raheem Sterling (England)

It was Raheem Sterling that took the headlines in Englands emphatic 5-0 win against the Czech Republic. The City player scored his first international hat-trick at Wembley, just a stones throw away from where he grow up as a boy.

His first goal came from a lovely low driven cross from Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho. His second goal came after a beautiful turn and finish into the left hand side of the goal. Sterling received a slice of luck for his third, with his long shot deflecting in off Czech Ondrej Celustka. Elsewhere, Sterling also won England the penalty that Harry Kane dispatched late in the first half.

Sterling was quoted after the game saying:

"“I’m in my hometown and this is what dreams are made of – so I’m really happy to see it come true.”"

The England fans were pleased to see Sterling carry his fine form for Manchester City into the European Qualifiers, where he left the pitch to a standing ovation, making way for debutant Calum Hudson-Odoi.

During Mondays 5-1 win against Montenegro, Sterling produced yet another dazzling display, squaring the ball to inform striker Harry Kane, who slotted home during the 70th minute. Just 10 minutes later, Sterling got himself on the score sheet after a wonderful through ball from Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson.

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