International round-up: Fernandes stars in Switzerland win

Edimilson Fernandes


Edimilson Fernandes won his second senior cap for Switzerland as Vladimir Petkovic's men defeated Belarus 1-0 on Thursday.

Switzerland's friendly win came courtesy of a ninth minute goal from Stoke City's Xherdan Shaqiri, as they warmed up for their FIFA World Cup Qualifier against the Faroe Islands in the best possible way.

Fernandes played 65 minutes, starting alongside former Hammer Valon Behrami in Neuchatel as the Swiss gained a sixth consecutive win.

After making his first senior international start, the midfielder was naturally delighted, and said: "I think I can say that it went well. I am satisfied.

"[Playing on the right] isn't my normal position, but I felt comfortable. I have got used to this position, even though it is not necessarily mine. 

"I always feel good here, with the Swiss team, and everything is really positive for me at the moment."

Darren Randolph was also in international action on Thursday, starting in the Republic of Ireland's 3-1 defeat to Mexico in New Jersey.

Ireland found themselves 3-0 down inside 54 minutes in the friendly match, with Stephen Gleeson notching a late consolation.

It represented Randolph's 20th international cap, and Ireland have further matches against Uruguay and Austria later this month.

Meanwhile, Dan Kemp was an unused substitute as England U20s sealed their place in the Toulon Tournament's semi-finals with a 7-1 win against Cuba.