West Ham United Blog | Analysis & News

West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola had mixed success with the French national team on international duty, with Les Bleus winning one game (v Austria) and losing another (vs Denmark)

Areola was a half time substitute for Mike Maignan in the Austria game, which the French won 2-0 thanks to two second half goals. He started and played the full 90 against Denmark, with Les Bleus falling to a 2-0 defeat in Copenhagen.

Noted French paper L’Equipe gave Areola a 5/10 rating against Denmark, with opposite number Kasper Schmeichel getting a 8/10.

Gianluca Scamacca started for Italy as they beat Declan Rice’s England 1-0 in their Nations League clash. The forward played 63 minutes before he was replaced by Leeds youngster Wilfried Gnonto. The solitary goal of the game came from Scamacca’s striking partner Giacomo Raspadori, who netted midway through the second half.

Another West Ham player- left back Emerson Palmieri was a late substitute for Italy as he came for Chelsea’s Jorginho. Jarrod Bowen was unused.

Rice, paired with Jude Bellingham in midfield, played the full 90.

Skipper Declan Rice and winger Jarrod Bowen have both been named in England’s Nations League squad for their upcoming games against Germany and Italy later this month.

Bowen’s recent form for club has been a tad iffy, but Gareth Southgate has chosen to keep him in his plans.

The duo are likely to face West Ham team mates on international duty (Kehrer for Germany and Scamacca/Emerson for Italy)