Sheffield Wednesday duo, Pierce and Shea Charles, played a crucial role in helping Northern Ireland secure promotion to League B of the UEFA Nations League on Monday night. The result was bittersweet, as Northern Ireland squandered a 2-0 lead against Luxembourg. Despite this setback, a draw was enough to top Group 3, with Bulgaria also drawing 1-1 against Belarus. The Owls pair, alongside their Northern Irish teammates, were relieved to see their hard work pay off in the end.
Both Charles brothers were named in the starting lineup, with Shea once again captaining the side. The match gave them another 90 minutes of international experience, and Shea contributed with an assist, setting up Isaac Price’s opening goal. For Pierce, who had remained unbeaten since his senior debut, it was a more challenging night, as he couldn’t prevent two quick goals that denied Northern Ireland the victory. However, he gained valuable experience, which will aid his development.
Meanwhile, in another international match, their goalkeeper teammate, James Beadle, was given the chance to bolster his reputation by starting for England’s U21s against the Netherlands at Yanmar Stadion. Despite making several impressive saves, Beadle couldn’t prevent Thom van Bergen’s equalizer, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Over in St. Louis, Missouri, Di’Shon Bernard was named in Steve McClaren’s starting XI for the second leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against the USA. After being left on the bench for the first leg, Bernard will be hoping to help his side overturn the 1-0 defeat in a match that kicks off at 1 am UK time.
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