International preview: Norwich City star Pukki set to resume Euro 2020 qualifying with Finland
Teemu Pukki takes a break from Norwich City action as he continues along the Euro 2020 qualification path with Finland Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
International action potentially begins for three of Norwich City’s players this evening, with star striker Teemu Pukki set to resume Euro 2020 qualifying action with Finland.
The Finns are already assured of a place in the play-offs after winning their Uefa Nations League group but are also in a strong position in Group J of qualifying for Euro 2020.
Pukki has become Finland's star export thanks to his form with the Canaries but also has eight goals in his last 11 international matches.
After a 2-0 defeat in Italy the Finns got back on track with three successive 2-0 away wins, in Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Liechenstein, leaving Pukki and his team-mates in second place and three points behind group leaders Italy.
Home victory over Greece tonight (7.45pm UK time) could prove crucial to their hopes, with the Italians set to visit on Sunday (also 7.45pm), with both games being played in Tampere.
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Jamal Lewis and experienced goalkeeper Michael McGovern are both in contention for Northern Ireland, with a friendly against Luxembourg tonight (7.45pm) to warm up for a Euro 2020 qualifier against Germany in Belfast on Monday.
City left-back Lewis was one of the young players that Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill praised for their maturity ahead of the game, after his side won all four of their opening Group C games, home and away against Belarus and Estonia.
Norwich City left-back Jamal Lewis has become a regular starter for Northern Ireland Picture: Liam McBurney/PA - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
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"A number of young players have quite quickly become influential," O'Neill said. "We don't want players to wait until they've got 50 caps before they feel they can do that.
"In particular Jamal (Lewis), Bailey (Peacock-Farrell), Jordan Jones - they've come in and been lively and had an influence off the pitch as well."
Two of City's youngsters could also be in action today, with goalkeeper Archie Mair and winger Aidan Fitzpatrick with the Scotland Under-19s ahead of a friendly against Japan, a midday kick-off in Murcia, Spain.
Dan Adshead will also be hoping to win his first England U19 cap, in a friendly against Greece at St George's Park in Burton (3pm).
