Nations League: Adrien Rabiot shines for France, England dominate Ireland

France Clinch Group A2 with Rabiot Double

France emerged victorious in a pivotal clash against Italy, winning 3-1 in Milan to secure first place in Group A2 of the UEFA Nations League.

Adrien Rabiot was the star of the night, scoring twice with headers to guide Didier Deschamps' side to a crucial victory.

Rabiot opened the scoring early, capitalising on a pinpoint delivery to head past Italy's goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario. Lucas Digne doubled France's lead with a stunning free-kick that took a deflection off Vicario. However, Italy struck back before half-time through Andrea Cambiaso, whose composed finish temporarily restored the Azzurri to the top of the group standings.

The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when Rabiot rose to meet another Digne cross, securing the top spot for France. Both France and Italy had already qualified for the quarter-finals before this match, but the win ensured France finished as group leaders.

Haaland Hat-Trick Powers Norway's Promotion

In Oslo, Erling Haaland delivered another masterclass, netting a hat-trick in Norway's emphatic 5-0 win over Kazakhstan. 

The prolific striker, now leading the Nations League's scoring charts, opened the scoring by tapping in a rebound from Antonio Nusa's shot. Haaland doubled his tally with a header before Alexander Sorloth added a third.

Haaland completed his hat-trick in the second half with a stunning strike from outside the box. Nusa capped the rout with a sublime curled effort, securing Norway's promotion to League A.

England Thrash Ireland to Seal League A Return

England celebrated a triumphant 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in Lee Carsley's final game as interim manager.

After a tightly contested first half, the floodgates opened in the second as five different players found the net.

Harry Kane converted a penalty shortly after Liam Scales was sent off for a second yellow card. Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher added quick goals before Jarrod Bowen scored with his first touch.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis completed the rout, heading in a superb Jude Bellingham cross.

Other Highlights

Austria 1-1 Slovenia: Austria face League A/B play-offs after finishing second in Group B3.

Israel 1-0 Belgium: Yarden Shua's late goal gave Israel a win, but they were relegated to League B.

Greece 2-0 Finland: Greece finished second in Group B2 despite a solid away victory.

Sunday's Full Results

Group A2: Israel 1-0 Belgium, Italy 1-3 France

Group B2: England 5-0 Republic of Ireland, Finland 0-2 Greece

Group B3: Austria 1-1 Slovenia, Norway 5-0 Kazakhstan

Group C4: Latvia 1-2 Armenia, North Macedonia 1-0 Faroe Islands