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Manchester City: World Cup Qualifier Watch Sunday Edition

By Larry Henry

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: John Stones of England challenges Arvydas Novikovas of Lithuania during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between England and Lithuania at Wembley Stadium on March 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: John Stones of England challenges Arvydas Novikovas of Lithuania during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between England and Lithuania at Wembley Stadium on March 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) /
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BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – MARCH 26: Leroy Sané of Germany is seen in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiying group C match between Azerbaijan and Germany at on March 26, 2017 in Baku. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – MARCH 26: Leroy Sané of Germany is seen in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiying group C match between Azerbaijan and Germany at on March 26, 2017 in Baku. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images) /


UEFA World Qualifying’s fifth matchday came to a close on Sunday with four Manchester City representatives making appearances in the action. 

Sunday concluded the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers for March, while CONMEBOL’s March Qualifiers conclude on Tuesday evening. Kevin De Bruyne who was scheduled to play in Belgium‘s home fixture with Greece, was out injured. He was the only Manchester City representative in Saturday’s fixtures.

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Here is a rundown of the four Manchester City players who participated in Thursday and Friday’s WCQ’s.

Leroy Sane – Germany 
The Manchester City midfielder came off the bench as an 84th minute substitute in Germany’s 4-1 road victory against Azerbaijan. Despite being a late sub, Sane contributed more so on the defensive end, making one interception while also winning one duel and one header.

Joe Hart – England 
Manchester City’s loanee keeper played the full 90+ minutes in England’s 2-0 home win against Lithuania. Hart was rarely troubled, making two saves in the win. Despite a 33% passing completion rate, Hart retained his spot as England’s #1 keeper and returns to Torino for the remainder of the Italian Serie A campaign.

John Stones – England 
Stones was easily the best of England’s defenders on Sunday, making three tackles, winning eight duels, and making four successful clearances. The 22-year-old also came up clutch making a goal-line clearance after Joe Hart looked to be beat by a long-header. Stones also finished the game with a 93% passing completion rate, and looked very comfortable paired with Burnley‘s Michael Keane.

Raheem Sterling – England 
Sterling played the opening 60 minutes in England’s victory on Sunday, but failed to really get going offensively. His only effort towards goal was blocked, while England held a lot of their possession in the center of the midfield. Sterling finished with a 80% passing completion rate, while also winning six out of 11 duels. Going forward, Sterling should continue to see time out-wide under Gareth Southgate.

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World Cup Qualifying concludes on Tuesday as CONMEBOL finishes up Matchday #14. Be sure to check back for all the action and analysis from the remaining World Cup Qualifiers featuring Manchester City’s top talent.

Following the end of the international break, Manchester City return to English Premier League action with a road trip to Arsenal on Sunday, April 2nd.