Jude will be the Real deal

Haaland stunned in blink of an aye By George it’ll come!

Norway Scotland

LYNDON DYKES and Kenny Mclean maintained Scotland’s perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying as Steve Clarke’s side shocked Norway with a late show in Oslo.

And Scotland skipper Andy Robertson admits: “We have to qualify now.”

Erling Haaland’s 53rd goal of the season from the penalty spot after he was hauled down by Ryan Porteous just after the hour looked to have given the Norwegians victory.

But Dykes pounced on a defensive mistake following John Mcginn’s pass to level with three minutes left.

And barely two minutes later he teed up substitute Mclean to sweep home and

N Ireland Kazakhstan

vsend the Tartan Army into ecstasy.

It keeps Scotland top of Group A on nine points, six clear of Spain, who have a game in hand, and eight in front of Norway.

Robertson said: “We knew this was the next step in our improvement.

“It was trying to get the balance right. The team spirit is second to none. To create that in international football is unique.”

Clarke’s side host Georgia on Tuesday where a victory would take them to within touching distance of a place at back-to-back European Championships.

Mclean said: “The character to come back from that is outstanding.

“We’re in a decent position, but we want to be in an even better position.”

Group H, Tomorrow, 7.45pm

GEORGE SAVILLE pleaded for patience with Northern Ireland ushering in a new era under returning boss Michael O’neill.

Friday night’s 1-0 defeat in Demark left them struggling in fifth in Group H.

Before facing Kazakhstan tomorrow night, Millwall midfielder Saville (above) said: “He’s had different experiences and he’s come back to a different squad. We’ve lost a few experienced lads.

“It’s a different situation for us and for him and one we’re all adapting to and trying to give ourselves the best opportunity,” added Saville.

GARETH SOUTHGATE has no doubts that Jude Bellingham will be a Real Madrid Galactico.

Bellingham has taken on the challenge of his life by moving to the Bernabeu in an £88million deal – and now the pressure is on him to deliver on the biggest stage in club football.

England boss Southgate is backing the teenager to excel in La Liga after a successful spell with Borussia Dortmund, having left Birmingham three years ago.

Southgate said: “I think Jude has always adapted to everything he’s needed to in a very short period.

“He adapted to living away from home in Germany really well.

“And even when he came into our group, he was coming in to work with higher profile players and big characters.

“Jude had the humility off the field to get on with the group, but also the determination on the pitch to earn respect.

“I am sure he’ll find that balance at Madrid as well – and it’s a wonderful opportunity for him.” Bellingham cut an impressive figure when he was unveiled by Madrid in midweek. A lingering knee problem has sidelined him for England’s two Euro qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

Trent Alexander-arnold came into midfield for the 4-0 romp over Malta on Friday night – and excelled.

Now the 24-year-old will be looking to build on a performance he capped with a stunning goal when the Three Lions face the North Macedonians at Old Trafford tomorrow. Alexander-arnold was employed as an inverted full-back by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the latter stages of the Premier League season. Southgate handed him the No.10 shirt after discussions with the Reds star about how to make the most of his attacking talents. The 52-year-old admitted that it has been a challenge finding a role for Alexander-arnold, who has won 19 caps since his debut five years ago. Southgate said: “It’s hard to give somebody faith. You can’t have them all believe they’re your favourite son because in the end you can’t justify that with your actions.

“Whenever you’re putting other players in, it is inevitably going to hit somebody’s confidence.

“But that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen the quality of Trent or had belief in what’s possible.

Transition

“The transition was a bit easier as he’s been playing in those areas for his club – but let’s see where it takes us.

“I don’t think we can say after a game against opponents like Malta: ‘That’s it, it’s there’.

“But Trent did brilliantly and it’s something really exciting going forward.”

Southgate added: “I had a chat with Trent four weeks ago and he was excited.

“We talked really detailed specifics about what it would look like and how I saw it.

“He was curious. He asked intelligent questions.

“It’s been difficult – not our relationship because I’ve always got on well with him.

“But we are giving him a lot of confidence by investing in him something specific, where he will have a different feel.

“I am sure he will probably have enjoyed this England game more than any other.

“I’ve always said he’s a talent we are trying to find a way with.”