Sterling downs Czechs as France sweep past Moldova

PARIS: Raheem Sterling showed that he is coming of age on the international stage as his hat-trick saw England start their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign by hammering the Czech Republic 5- 0, while Antoine Griezmann inspired France to a battering of Moldova.

Manchester City attacker Sterling had scored just two goals in his first 45 caps, but he now has five in his last three international appearances following Friday’s treble, which helped England storm to the top of Group A ahead of Monday’s trip to Montenegro, who drew 1-1 at Bulgaria.

France also got off to a perfect start after an older head in Antoine Griezmann spurred the world champions on to a 4-1 victory at Moldova.

Griezmann opened the scoring with his 27th France goal in the 24th minute of their Group H encounter before crossing for Raphael Varane to double the scores three minutes later.

Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe completed the rout in the second half. France top the group ahead of Iceland and Turkey, 2-0 winners against Albania and Andorra respectively.

Cristiano Ronaldo drew a blank on his return to international football after nine months away, as Ukraine battled to a goalless draw in Lisbon. The draw was the first time Portugal have failed to score at home in 19 matches and leaves them second in the group behind Luxembourg, who beat Lithuania 2-1. — AFP