International round-up: Victories for Yarmolenko, Balbuena and Cullen

Fabian Balbuena playing for Paraguay


It was a busy night for West Ham United's internationals, with six players representing their countries across Europe and Africa on Thursday.

Andriy Yarmolenko, Fabian Balbuena and Josh Cullen all ended on the winning side for Ukraine, Paraguay and the Republic of Ireland respectively in friendly matches.

Yarmolenko played 66 minutes as Ukraine warmed up for their final UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier by defeating Estonia 1-0 in Zaporizhia, although they had to wait until second half injury time for their winner from Gent's Roman Bezus.

Centre-back Balbuena, meanwhile, played the 90 minutes as Paraguay kept a clean sheet in Sofia to beat Bulgaria by an identical 1-0 scoreline. Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron notched the only goal of the game.

Closer to home, Cullen faced off against Winston Reid in a Dublin friendly as Ireland saw off New Zealand 3-1. The Hammers pair started for their respective teams, with Reid playing a useful 45 minutes as he continued his comeback from injury.

He departed the action at 1-1, with the home team going onto win 3-1 thanks to goals by Derrick Williams, Callum Robinson and one-time West Ham youngster Sean Maguire.

In Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, Arthur Masuaku was a starter as DR Congo got their Group D campaign underway with a 0-0 draw against Gabon.

Finally, at Wembley, Sead Haksabanovic, who has been on loan at IFK Norrkoping for the duration of the Swedish season, featured in Montenegro's 7-0 defeat to England.

Declan Rice was an unused substitute as England secured their spot in next summer's UEFA Euro 2020 finals.

Click here to see the full fixture list for our internationals in November.