Fletcher's Scots humble France

Darren Fletcher’s Scotland pulled off one of their greatest results on Wednesday night, beating France 1-0 at the Parc de Princes, but it came at a cost to the United midfielder.

Injury forced Fletcher off after just 26 minutes of the tie, but Scotland held firm throughout and snatched a dramatic and unlikely winner when James McFadden hit a wonder-strike from 30 yards.

Patrice Evra was an unused substitute in the game, though he may not be looking forward to bumping into Sir Alex on his return to Carrington!

Alex McLeish’s side are top of Group B, ahead of World Cup winners Italy and losing finalists France, who Scotland also beat at Hamden last October.

Rio Ferdinand was on the mark for England in their 3-0 success of Russia at Wembley. The Reds defender scored the third, adding to Michael Owen’s two earlier efforts, to seal victory. Wes Brown was an unused sub.

John O’Shea started for the Republic of Ireland but came off before half-time through injury while young Reds midfielder Darron Gibson was on the bench as the Republic lost 1-0 to their Czech counterparts, effectively ending their hopes of qualification for Euro 2008.

Jonny Evans played the full match for Northern Ireland against Iceland and went close to scoring with a header, but Keith Gillespie’s last-gasp own goal meant a 2-1 defeat and leaves Nigel Worthington’s side’s hopes of making next summer’s tournament hanging by a thread.

Edwin van der Sar admitted to Holland’s luck after Ruud van Nistelrooy grabbed a stoppage time goal to secure a 1-0 win over Albania in Group G. He said: "We won in the final minute - we all worked very hard Cristiano Ronaldo was heavily involved for Portugal as it looked as though they’d secured a 1-0 win over Serbia in a match that ended with a 30-man melee. However, Branislav Ivanovic netted in the 88th minute to cancel out Simao Sabrosa’s earlier effort.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari found himself denying punching Ivica Dragutinovic after the Serb was sent off for his part in the fracas. Nemanja Vidic also played in the match.