Lee Carsley made a winning start to his England tenure with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League, helped by two players who previously represented the hosts.

Both goals came in the first half on Saturday, with Declan Rice's powerful finish followed up by Jack Grealish's sweeping effort to hand England their first win in Dublin in over 60 years.

Jayson Molumby's early chance offered the visitors a warning, but Harry Kane headed over as Carsley's team swiftly took control.

The England captain, now one shy of his 100th Three Lions cap, was denied by Caoimhin Kelleher moments later inside the box after a fast break from an Ireland free-kick. 

But England had the lead after 11 minutes. Having made three senior appearances for Ireland, Rice pledged his international future to the Three Lions in 2019, and it was the Arsenal midfielder who opened the scoring with an emphatic finish into the roof of the net.

Rice turned provider for another who switched their international allegiance, as Grealish rounded off a fine move to double England's advantage 15 minutes later.

Ireland improved after the interval, though rarely came close to truly testing Jordan Pickford.

Bukayo Saka went close to adding further gloss to an impressive display in added time, only to see his effort repelled by Kelleher with substitute Eberechi Eze firing over on the rebound. 

Data Debrief: Rice and Grealish haunt Ireland

In a game where all the focus was placed on former Ireland international Carsley, it would be two of the Republic's former hopes that stole the headlines in Dublin. 

Rice's goal at the Aviva Stadium came six years and 97 days after making his only previous appearance there for Ireland against the United States in June 2018.

He completed 88 of his 93 passes and ended with an accuracy rate of 94.6%, a total only bettered by Pickford (96.3%) of those that started the game.

Grealish, meanwhile, netted his third goal for England, and his first as a starter. While he was on the pitch, no England player won more fouls (four) or created more chances (two) than him.

Sonia Bompastor has promised there is more hard work to come for her Chelsea players after they readied themselves for the Women's Super League season with a 9-0 hammering of Feyenoord.

Bompastor marked her first match at Kingsmeadow in fantastic fashion on Saturday, with the WSL champions proving far too good for their Dutch opponents.

Sandy Baltimore and Mayra Ramirez struck inside the opening 10 minutes, with Feyenoord's Celainy Obispo subsequently seeing red.

Chelsea were 4-0 up by the break thanks to finishes from Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein, with Millie Bright heading home a fifth after the restart.

Substitute Aggie Beever-Jones netted a second-half hat-trick, with Maika Hamano also getting in on the act in a resounding victory.

Chelsea face Aston Villa in their WSL opener on September 20, and former Lyon coach Bompastor says the task is now to be fully prepared for that fixture.

"I can't wait to get to that moment, only two weeks now," she said.

"We are really excited to get to that moment, but we still have two weeks to work and we’ll make sure we work really hard to be ready for that first game.

"We had two main goals – the first one was defensively, we wanted to have high pressure, and be strong in transition. With the ball, I wanted them to play in a nice way, in an attacking style, so with nine goals, it was definitely good and it’s what we had been working on in training.

"I really liked the stadium, the atmosphere. It’s really cool, especially when you win and score a lot of goals. I hope all the games this season, they’ll have the same fun. We’ll keep working really hard to make sure they come and enjoy our games."

Carlo Ancelotti has no plans to call time on his illustrious coaching career, saying he will only leave the sport when he no longer feels nervous ahead of games.

Ancelotti is one of the most decorated coaches in European football history, with his five Champions League titles as a manager being a competition record.

The fifth of those triumphs came with Real Madrid in June as they beat Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley Stadium, having progressed through a series of dramatic ties earlier in the tournament.

Los Blancos overcame Manchester City on penalties in the quarter-finals despite facing 33 shots on their goal in the second leg, a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

They then salvaged victory from the jaws of defeat in the last four as Joselu scored twice – in the 88th and 91st minutes – to stun Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ancelotti so often appears an island of calm amid the chaos, but the Italian insists he still gets nervous ahead of big games and will do so until the day he retires.

"A life without pressure or a little stress does not exist. Too much stress, no, but a little is fuel. The day I don't have excitement before a match is the day I have to stop," he said at the Mexico Siglo XXI event.

"Before a match there is worry, there is a negative feeling thinking that it will not go well, that they will score a goal… When the match starts, everything stops.

"So, you have to look for calm to handle the situations of the game. I will continue coaching until the fire I have for football dies down. 

"Some great things have happened in my life, some difficult moments. My life has been normal. I have been lucky to have a job that is my passion. I am grateful to football for giving me that opportunity.

"I still get nervous before a match, I feel pressure, and as long as that doesn't change I will continue here. I see myself coaching for a long time, yes."

Ancelotti is known for involving his big-name players in his decision-making, and he says that collaborative approach has been key to his success.

"It is very difficult to explain what a leader should be like. It is much more important to convince than to impose your opinion on them," he added.

"A leader must have the ability to listen to those who work with you. They can always give you ideas that can help you. 

"It is important to listen and not think that you know everything because you are the boss. You can always learn."

Trinidad and Tobago started life without Angus Eve on a losing note as they were thumped 4-0 by Honduras in their opening Concacaf Nations League Group B League A contest in Tegucigalpa on Friday.

The result dealt and early blow to the Soca Warriors and interim head coach Derek King, as they are the group’s early cellar dwellers.

Honduras, with the win, assume pole position on three points, same as Nicaragua, who edged French Guiana 1-0, while Jamaica and Cuba both have a point from their goalless stalemate. Only the top two teams from the group will progress to the quarterfinals, while the bottom-placed team will be relegated to League B.

The tournament also determines which national teams qualify for the next edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup.

Honduras vs. Trinidad and Tobago

After struggling to break down Trinidad and Tobago’s defence early, Honduras eventually found the go-ahead goal when Alexander Lopez drove in a right-footer from outside the box.

Kevin Arriaga also showed his class with a well-struck right-footer in the 45+2 minute to put Honduras 2-0 up at the break.

Try as they did, Trinidad and Tobago had no response to Honduras in a hostile environment and soon found themselves further behind in the 54th minute. This, as Edwin Rodriguez was allowed too much space deep inside the 18-yard box to fire home from Luis Palma’s pass.

The win was then capped by David Ruiz, who slotted home in the 86th minute.

French Guiana vs. Nicaragua 

The Central Americans extended their unbeaten run in the Concacaf Nations League to 13 matches by taking three points off host French Guiana at Stade Municipal Dr. Edmard Lama.

Both teams gave as good as they got in the attacking third, but it was Nicaragua that got the all-important strike through Widman Talavera in the 90+5 minute to secure the three points.

Group B action will resume on Tuesday, starting with Cuba facing Nicaragua, while Trinidad and Tobago will host French Guiana, and Jamaica will visit Honduras to close out the day.

Kevin De Bruyne is confident he will be fit and firing upon his return to Manchester City after starring in Belgium's opening fixture of their Nations League campaign. 

De Bruyne scored twice in the Red Devils' 3-1 win over Israel on Friday, taking his international tally to 30 goals in 106 appearances since his debut in 2010. 

He contributed an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.64 to Belgium's total of 3.53, also playing more passes in the final third (34) than any other player on the pitch. 

Domenico Tedesco's side travel to Lyon on Monday to face France, who were beaten 3-1 by Italy in their opening fixture in Group A2, with De Bruyne in line to start again. 

The 33-year-old has started the season with a goal and an assist in three Premier League appearances, both coming during City's 4-1 win against Ipswich Town. 

De Bruyne has also created 11 chances so far in English football's top flight, a total only bettered by Dwight McNeil (13) and Andreas Pereira (14).

But when questioned whether City manager Pep Guardiola would be happy with him playing back-to-back 90 minutes, De Bruyne said: "You'll have to ask him!

"Well, as long as I feel good, it's okay and it's up to the coach to decide. After France, I have six days before the next match with City."

Belgium will be looking to avenge their Euro 2024 defeat to Didier Deschamps' side, having been knocked out at the last-16 stage by Jan Vertonghen's late own goal.

After the Red Devils' meeting with France, they will face Italy and Les Bleus again next month, concluding their group campaign against the Azzurri and Israel in November.

"When you play six group games, every game is important," De Bruyne added. "We only have two days to rest and get ready. But the pressure will be on them now."

Despite their victory over Israel on Friday, head coach Tedesco was left wanting more from his players ahead of their stern test against France. 

"We started well and scored straight away, but after the goal we lost some of our self-confidence", said Tedesco.

"Fortunately, we were sharper after the break, showed courage with vertical football and high pressure, in order to create quite a few chances again. That is a positive sign."

Luciano Spalletti said Italy had shown a new level of intensity in their Nations League opener after they stunned France with a 3-1 comeback win at the Parc des Princes.

Italy found themselves a goal down inside 12 seconds on Friday as Bradley Barcola dispossessed Giovanni Di Lorenzo before finishing coolly, but Federico Dimarco's brilliant volleyed equaliser precipitated a stirring fightback.

Davide Frattesi put the Azzurri ahead early in the second half, then Giacomo Raspadori completed the scoring as Italy claimed their first-ever win at the Parc des Princes.

The Azzurri had previously drawn three and lost one of their four matches at the venue, only scoring two goals, while they had not beaten France since doing so in the group stage at Euro 2008.

Italy endured a dismal Euro 2024 campaign, scraping through their group before being dumped out by Switzerland in the last 16, but Spalletti saw a different side to his players on Friday.

"I saw an intensity during training that we didn't have last time," Spalletti said. "Perhaps the players' physical shape had a role. 

"The season has just started, and there is new enthusiasm. The other time, it was the end [of the season], and there had been things that perhaps led some to switch off. 

"They bounced back tonight. Regardless of how this game went, we would have continued playing forever.

"It's in the DNA of this group I've chosen for the Nations League and the World Cup qualifiers.

"Three, four or five players have stayed home this time, but generally we are convinced that this group can give us so much."

Italy's victory was marred somewhat by Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori being injured by a crunching tackle by Ousmane Dembele, with the former Bologna man writing in pain before being helped from the field.

Spalletti, however, is hopeful the injury may not prove to be a serious one.

"We need to assess Riccardo, but with our staff, we have a good chance to have him back with us for the next game," Spalletti said.

Italy face Israel in their next match in Group A2 on Monday, with France hosting Belgium in another heavyweight tussle on the same day.

St Lucia, St Maarten, Grenada, and Haiti all opened their 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League accounts with victories in League B on Friday.

Grenada blanked St Martin 2-0, and St Lucia edged Curacao 2-1 in the Group B double-header at Kirani James Athletics Stadium.

Over in Group C, Haiti were 4-1 winners over Puerto Rico, and St Maarten blanked Aruba 2-0 at Estadio Centroamericano in Puerto Rico.

St Lucia vs. Curaçao 

In what was the first-ever Nations League encounter between the two nations, St Lucia were the better team on the day.

Arkell Jude-Boyd broke the deadlock for St Lucia in the 24th when he fended off a defender on his way to poking an effort through the legs of Eloy Room in goal for Curacao to make it 1-0 at the break.

Jude-Boyd went close to extending the lead in the second half, but Room came up big for Curacao on that occasion.

However, St Lucia inevitably doubled the lead in the 55th through Caniggia Elva, who finished off a loose ball.

Curacao pulled one back in the 63rd when Joshua Brenet fired home from Leandro Bacuna’s pass.

St Maarten vs. Aruba

St Maarten and Aruba failed to separate themselves for most of the contest, as their respective goalkeepers Tyrell Richardson and Matthew Lentink were in good knick between the sticks.

It wasn’t until the 81st that Gerwin Lake broke the deadlock for St Maarten when he rifled an effort past Lentink, who had no chance at a save on that occasion.

Ronan Olivacce added a second for St Maarten in the 90+3, with an easy tap-in from Chovanie Amatkarijo’s pass.

St Martin vs. Grenada 

Grenada were always favoured to secure the three points and that they did.

It took them only five minutes to open the scoring as Lucas Akins capitalised on a defensive error.

The menacing Regan Charles-Cook made the points safe when he tucked home from close range in the 38th minute.

St Martin tried to stay in the contest but found Grenada’s defence and goalkeeper Chad Phillip in defiant mode.

Puerto Rico vs. Haiti

After being relegated from League A, Haiti is intent of getting back to the top and they demonstrated that with a comfortable beating of Puerto Rico.

Interestingly, it was Puerto Rico that struck first in the 29th when Gerald Diaz fired home from a rebound.

Haiti responded with a second half flurry, which was started by Danley Jean Jacques in the 51st.

Frantzdy Pierrot added a second in the 60th, taking his Nations League tally to eight goals, before Don Louicius finished off a tidy team build up in the 76th to put Haiti 3-1 up.

Duckens Nazon then capped the win with an 83rd-minute strike to put Haiti on course for promotion.

Harry Kane is drawing inspiration from the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he prepares to lead England into a new era.

Kane has captained England to two European Championship finals only to finish on the losing side on both occasions, versus Italy in a penalty shoot-out at Euro 2020 and against Spain earlier this year.

The Bayern Munich striker failed to hit top form at Euro 2024 in Germany and was substituted early in both the final and in a 2-1 semi-final victory over the Netherlands.

Kane scored twice from open play at the tournament – in a group-stage draw with Denmark and an extra-time victory over Slovakia in the last 16 – but was criticised for a series of lethargic displays. 

However, the 31-year-old remains committed to the Three Lions as they enter the post-Gareth Southgate era and hopes to continue representing his country for many more years.

"It's tough whenever you get so close to reaching one of the pinnacles of your career and it's taken away," Kane told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It makes me even more motivated. It puts the fire in the belly to try and get there. Our task is to get better.

"I think when you look at players like Ronaldo, [Luka] Modric and Messi, all these players who are playing in their mid to late 30s, that's the inspiration for me because it shows that you can really play at a high level for a long time.

"I want to play football for as long as possible and at the highest level for as long as possible. I use those players for motivation and inspiration to be able to do that.

"I feel I am in a really good place both mentally and physically to have another great season, hopefully that continues for many years to come."

England face the Republic of Ireland in their first game since Southgate's departure on Saturday, with former under-21 boss Lee Carsley in interim charge.

Kane admits it was strange to return to the Three Lions camp without their long-serving former boss, under whom he netted 61 goals, the most ever scored by any England player under a single manager. 

"It felt a little bit strange when we first came into camp," Kane said. "The boss has his own ideas and identity. 

"We did a lot of good things with Gareth but ultimately the new coach has fresh ideas. It's been good. There are a lot of young players excited to be here and express themselves."

Dorival Junior believes the pressure of being Brazil's main man can sometimes weigh Vinicius Junior down, just as it did Neymar in years gone by.

Brazil beat Ecuador 1-0 to end a three-match losing run in the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday, though their performance was far from convincing.

Rodrygo's deflected first-half strike handed Brazil a crucial three points, yet they were indebted to goalkeeper Alisson for making a huge one-on-one save to deny Moises Caicedo on the stroke of half-time.

Having endured a torrid time at the Copa America earlier this year, Vinicius was quiet again on Friday, failing to complete any of his four dribbles and losing possession 14 times – more than any other Selecao player.

Brazil's recent performances have come in for stern criticism at home, but Dorival believes everyone connected with the national team needs to have more patience.

"We want to see players in the condition where he produces at all times, in the same way he does at his club," Dorival said of Vinicius. 

"We always have cycles within the clubs themselves, we have moments when Rodrygo will be featured over a few months, soon Vini will enter this same condition. 

"We have to be very calm. This same expectation was generated around Neymar, that at all times Neymar had to be the solution to our problems."

Neymar himself has not played for either Al-Hilal or Brazil since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during the Selecao's 2-0 defeat to Uruguay last October.

Dorival cited his recovery as yet another area where Brazil's supporters must have more understanding. 

"If we have a little patience and receive Neymar at the moment the team is more balanced, I have no doubt he can make a very big difference with the ability he has, with those who are here," he added.

"We have to learn that these processes are lengthy and require time and patience, which we do not have in our country.

"I say again to the Brazilian fans: have a little calm, let's first regain the confidence of the Brazilian team. We have players of the highest level, who play in the biggest clubs in Europe, as well as in Brazilian football. 

"I have no doubt that we will have an aggressive team like the fans want, playing in a regular way and transmitting even greater confidence."

Brazil go to Paraguay for their next World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, having gone fourth in the 10-team group with Friday's slender victory.

It was a bittersweet start to life for Jamaica's new head coach Steve McClaren, as his Reggae Boyz were held to a goalless stalemate by 10-man Cuba in their opening Concacaf Nations League Group B League A encounter at the National Stadium on Friday.

There was an air of optimism surrounding the team, with fans eager to see how the former England manager would transform the Boyz, who were coming off a period of transition.

While the Boyz delivered for the most part in terms of their dominance in all aspects of the game, they failed to please where it mattered most—in the final third—as they squandered numerous chances and, as such, had to settle for a share of the spoils.

In fact, of the 21 shots taken, only seven were on target, and that, plus the fact that they had a numerical advantage after Yunior Perez was sent for an early shower in the 44th minute, underscores the Boyz's woeful presentation in the final third.

The point puts the Boyz and Cuba second behind leaders Honduras, who were 4-0 winners over Trinidad and Tobago in their contest. Only the top two finishers will progress to the quarterfinals.

From the first whistle, Jamaica looked sharper and quicker. McClaren’s tactical adjustments were evident as the Boyz played with a higher intensity, pressing the Cubans into their own half. 

Kasey Palmer and Michail Antonio got off a couple warning shots in the early exchanges, and the good-sized turnout of spectators became even more expectant of at least a 3-0 victory. However, their desires were not met as they watched and roared as the Boyz strung together wave after wave of attacks, but the finishing touch eluded them.

In the 19th minute, Antonio's header from a long cross came back off the upright, while Jamal Lowe's effort on the rebound sailed wide.

The Boyz had another opportunity to break the deadlock at the half-hour mark, but Lowe was hesitant in getting the shot off from deep inside the 18-yard box, and the chance went begging. 

Cuba tried to play their game and also found pockets of openings, the best of which came in the 41st minute when poor defending by Dexter Lembikisa allowed a run through on defence forcing Andre Blake to leave his line to avert the danger. Though Blake seemingly took out the attacker in his attempt to clear the ball, Cuba's appeal for a penalty was waved off.

Minutes later Lowe's slick pass sent Antonio on the break, but the West Ham United man was taken out inside the arc by Yunior Perez, who saw a straight red card from Salvadoran referee Filiberto Martinez.

The resulting freekick, a well-taken one by Demarai Gray, was equally well saved by Cuba's custodian, Raiko Arozarena, who ensured the game remained goalless at the break.

The Jamaicans again came out lively on the resumption, but for all their possession, the Boyz couldn’t put one in the back of the net and were frustrated by the resolute Cuban defence led by goalkeeper Arozarena. 

In the 54th, Gray made space to get off a stinging right-footer from inside the six-yard box, but the effort was kept out by Arozarena.

Minutes later, the Cuban custodian was again called upon to deny Palmer's right-footed effort. 

McClaren introduced a few fresh legs in Shamar Nicholson, Kaheim Dixon, and others with hopes that one of those might have better fortunes in front of goal. Not so.

In fact, one of the best chances in the backend of the encounter fell in the 77th to Nicholson, who at goalmouth somehow hit a right-footer over the crossbar as the fans groaned in disbelief.

For the Reggae Boyz, it was a missed opportunity to start the campaign with a win. However, the potential under McClaren’s leadership was clear, and so optimism abounds that their next fixture away to Honduras on Tuesday will turn out to be a better result.

Luis Suarez gave an emotional farewell message to Uruguay's fans after the final game of his international career ended in a goalless draw with Paraguay in Montevideo.

Suarez announced earlier this month that Friday's 2026 World Cup qualifier would be his final outing for La Celeste, who he helped win the 2011 Copa America and reach the 2010 World Cup semi-finals.

The former Liverpool and Barcelona man was unable to end his international career with a victory as Marcelo Bielsa's team were kept out by Paraguay. 

Suarez played the full 90 minutes as captain as Uruguay registered just one shot on target in a meek performance, but the result could not put a dampener on post-match tributes to the striker.

Addressing the crowd, Suarez said: "I have only words of gratitude to all Uruguayans, who since my career began supported me, not only me, but a generation that had a very difficult time.

"That group marked me a lot, being a healthy group, where we were all on the same path. People don't know how much we fought for this shirt and how difficult it is to represent a country, it is not easy to assume that responsibility.

"I went through very complicated moments in my career. I want to thank you for the affection and be clear that Uruguay is bigger than any coach or player and that, from tomorrow, I will be just another fan. 

"Up Uruguay and I will always be grateful to the Uruguayan people."

Suarez ended his international career with a national record 69 goals in 143 caps, his final strike for Uruguay being a last-minute equaliser versus Canada in the third-place play-off at this year's Copa America, a contest La Celeste won on penalties.

A deflected first-half strike from Rodrygo handed Brazil a crucial 1-0 victory over Ecuador as they halted a three-match losing run in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

Dorival Junior's team approached Friday's game off the pace in the CONMEBOL qualification group, sitting sixth after defeats to Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina in late 2023.

They produced another disjointed performance in Curitiba and were indebted to Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who struck the winner on the half-hour mark.

Taking Lucas Paqueta's pass on the turn 25 yards from goal, Rodrygo cut onto his right foot before seeing his effort strike William Pacho and nestle in the bottom-left corner.

Rodrygo went close to a second six minutes later but it was far from smooth sailing for the hosts, who needed a huge save from Alisson to preserve their lead on the stroke of half-time.

The Liverpool goalkeeper made himself big to deny Moises Caicedo when one-on-one in what proved to be Ecuador's best chance, as Brazil leapfrogged their opponents to go fourth in the table with 10 points from seven matches.

Data Debrief: Selecao still missing their spark

Brazil were flat and unimpressive at the Copa America, and there were few signs of the Selecao rediscovering their attacking spark here.

They enjoyed 57.4% of the possession in Friday's game but could only convert that into 10 shots tallying 0.46 expected goals (xG), to Ecuador's 0.85 xG from nine attempts.

Rodrygo and Alisson stepped up in the moments that mattered for Brazil, but performances like these will ensure even reaching the 2026 World Cup is a slog for the five-time winners. 

Didier Deschamps is prepared to face the critics after France kickstarted their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Italy on Friday. 

Bradley Barcola handed the hosts a lead with just 12 seconds on the clock, only for the Azzurri to respond to secure their first victory over France at the Parc des Princes.

After scoring just once from open play at Euro 2024, Les Bleus failed to trouble Gianluigi Donnarumma, with only three of their 12 shots in the encounter on target, all of which came in the first 45 minutes.

France registered an expected goals (xG) total of 0.86 compared to Italy's 1.71, with Kylian Mbappe enduring another difficult night in front of goal. 

Despite winning both the World Cup and the Nations League during his time in charge, Deschamps is ready for criticism, having previously come under fire in Germany.

“I am accustomed to criticism, even if I won more than lost in my career," Deschamps said.

"I knew our fitness levels were not at the best, but it is a young squad with Olise and Manu Kone getting their senior debuts. These are the necessary steps to grow.

“I have always been clear-eyed on what we were doing. Unfortunately, in terms of intensity and physicality, Italy did more than us.

“It irritates me that our first 20 minutes were so good and then the light went out.”

Despite starting well, France failed to find that attacking spark that many have feared on the international stage in recent years. 

With the likes of Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram all experienced in the senior side, it was Barcola, on his sixth start for his country, who shone. 

He contributed an expected goals (xG) total of 0.45 to France's total, registering more shots (three) than anyone for Les Bleus.

But speaking after the game, Deschamps praised Italy's stern defensive showing, acknowledging his side's quick start was difficult to maintain.

“We had started so well, scoring the goal and putting good pressure on Italy," Deschamps told RAI Sport.

"It’s tough to keep that high press and intensity up, even before half-time I saw a physical dip. We made mistakes, which allowed Italy to equalise.

“In trying that high press, we opened up spaces and Italy hurt us with attacking players who pushed up. Without a solid block, it became very difficult for us.

"Italy defend very well and we have great attacking players, but you have to be wary leaving those spaces or they’ll hurt you in return.”

Craig Bellamy insisted that there is more to come from his Wales side as his maiden outing as their new head coach ended in a goalless draw against Turkiye. 

Having seen Aaron Ramsey and Joe Rodon squander golden opportunities early on, Bellamy thought his side had netted the first goal of his tenure in the 37th minute.

Ramsey's searching ball picked out Sorba Thomas behind the Turkiye defence before lobbing the ball over Mert Gunok, only for the offside flag to be raised.

The hosts played for just under half an hour with a man advantage after Baris Alper Yilmaz was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Neco Williams.

But Wales were unable to find a breakthrough, and they have now failed to score in four consecutive international matches for the first time since a run of four between February and September 2012. 

However, Bellamy praised his side's display on home soil, saying: "[The players were] outstanding. We have had a lot of work this week.

"There have been a lot of meetings and I am always conscious of a lot of information going in at the same time.

"But they were great this week and that gives you confidence.

"Believe me, this is the worst we are going to be. The more we learn, the more we spend together, the finer details.

"It's such a good start but there's much more to come from this team.

"I am not a master at this after one game, trust me. But I enjoyed it. It was a great country to play against in your first game and I am really happy."

Wales gave an exciting glimpse of what the future may hold under their new head coach, starting immediatley on the front foot with high-octane new style.

Having failed to qualify for Euro 2024 under Robert Page, Bellamy's appointment has seemingly galvanised Welsh football once again. 

His methods faced a stern test against Turkiye, who were one of the standout sides at the European Championships under Vincenzo Montella earlier this year.

Wales were a threat from set-pieces, with Ramsey going close with a flicked header, while a well worked corner routine was fired over by Rodon. 

Turkiye did provide a couple of anxious moments, however, with Yilmaz's appeals for a penalty waved away after tussling with Rodon inside the penalty area.

Having seen his goal ruled out in the first half, Thomas again went close after the break, with Harry Wilson's curling effort narrowly evading the far post. 

While there was to be no winning start for Bellamy, there was also a nod to the future. 

18-year-old Lewis Koumas made his home international debut, coming 15 years and 162 days since his father, Jason Koumas, made his last home appearance for Wales in a 2-0 defeat against Finland in March 2009.

Kevin De Bruyne scored twice either side of half-time to hand Belgium a winning start to their Nations League campaign, beating Israel 3-1 at the Nagyerdei Stadion.

De Bruyne got the ball rolling with a fine finish early on, only for Timothy Castagne's own goal to level things up on neutral ground in Hungary.

But the Red Devils rallied after the break, with Belgium's captain scoring from the spot shortly after Youri Tielemans had restored their advantage.

Belgium took the lead in the 21st minute as Manchester City's Jeremy Doku skipped to the byline before finding his club team-mate De Bruyne, who finished emphatically.

Despite their dominance, Belgium were pegged back nine minutes before half-time as Anan Khalaili's goal-bound header deflected off Castagne and beyond Koen Casteels. 

But Tielemans restored their advantage three minutes after the restart, firing into the bottom corner after Lois Openda's neat touch. 

De Bruyne grabbed his second of the game four minutes later after Openda was fouled by Raz Shlomo inside the box, finishing confidently from 12 yards.

Belgium were awarded another penalty soon after, with Openda again involved, only for the RB Leipzig striker to step up and see his spot-kick saved by Yoav Gerafi.

The Red Devils travel to Lyon on Monday to face France, who were beaten 3-1 by Italy in their opening fixture in Group A2.

Data Debrief: De Bruyne at the double

While many of Belgium's 'golden generation' have come and gone, De Bruyne proved once again he is still the jewel in the Red Devils' crown.

The City midfielder contributed an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.64 to Belgium's 3.53 total, also playing more passes in the final third (34) than any other player on the pitch. 

He also created two big chances for his team-mates, with his 10 touches in the opposition box a total only bettered by Doku (11) for the hosts.