France secured a dramatic 4-1 victory over Belgium in the Nations League on Sunday, marking Zinedine Zidane’s first home win as the national team coach. Trailing until the 77th minute at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Les Bleus mounted a late surge with four goals in a 14-minute span, all scored by substitutes Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki, and Michael Olise, who netted twice. The result strengthened France’s position atop Group A1, putting them three points ahead of Italy, which defeated Turkey 3-1 in Bologna.
In other Nations League developments, England faced setbacks ahead of their match against the Czech Republic as Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott withdrew from the squad. The England Football Association did not provide details for their departures, but reports indicate that Scott, who started in England’s recent 7-0 rout of Croatia, sustained a thigh injury that could sideline him for up to eight weeks. Head coach Thomas Tuchel has not called up replacements for the injured players.
Portugal continues to signal openness to a potential return of Cristiano Ronaldo to the national team following the forward's abrupt departure from training camp last week. The 41-year-old left the Portugal camp on Wednesday after coach Jorge Jesus announced he would not start Ronaldo in a Nations League match against Denmark. Though the incident was described as a “misunderstanding” by both Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, the coach emphasized he did not intend to apologize and remains willing to include Ronaldo in future selections should the player wish to rejoin.
Meanwhile, Norway’s coach Stale Solbakken addressed concerns over striker Erling Haaland’s fitness and workload ahead of Norway’s 2-1 loss to Portugal in Porto. Haaland requested to be substituted in the 67th minute, having been seen limping prior to leaving the field. Solbakken attributed the issue not to a specific injury but to Haaland’s demanding schedule, which includes full participation in Norway’s first three Nations League matches, an intense start to the English Premier League campaign with Manchester City, and a recent World Cup quarterfinal run with Norway. The coaching staff continues to monitor Haaland’s condition ahead of his return to club duties.