Jonny Evans make honest 'not up to scratch' confession to leave Man Utd worried
Jonny Evans has admitted his performance "wasn't up to scratch" in Northern Ireland's 4-2 defeat to Slovenia on Thursday night.
Evans, 35, re-joined Manchester United on a one-year contract on deadline day. The centre-back was a free agent after being released by Leicester following their relegation to the Premier League. He's already featured for Erik ten Hag's side in the 3-1 loss at Arsenal.
His appearance at the Emirates suggest Evans will play an important role at Old Trafford this season. Yet his display for Northern Ireland may leave Ten Hag a little worried. Although he's experienced, Evans hasn't played much competitive football of late.
Northern Ireland's chances of qualifying for Euro 2024 are all but over after losing four of their first five qualifiers. That will come as a big disappointment, as they were placed in a relatively easy group alongside Finland, Denmark, Slovenia, Kazakhstan and San Marino.
Evans endured a mixed evening against Slovenia. He scored an own goal during the first half when a cross unfortunately deflected off him and into his own net. Yet he also found the opposing net to score his first goal since re-joining United.
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"I didn’t think I played great myself," said Evans. "I know I got a goal, but my own personal performance probably wasn’t up to scratch. I’m experienced enough and wise enough to admit that. We can’t be giving away cheap goals at the start of the game like we did.
"It was difficult to take in terms of the defence. That’s something we have always been solid and quite strong with. Even during the game I was thinking this is not a typical Northern Ireland match especially away from home."
The Republic of Ireland are also in danger of missing out on another major tournament after losing three of their first four qualifiers. Stephen Kenny's side were handed a tough task of qualifying with France, Greece, Gibraltar and the Netherlands the other four teams in their group.
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Things aren't going to well for Wales either. They've picked up just four points from their first four qualifiers and need to win in Latvia on Monday to give their campaign some momentum. Wales qualified for Euro 2016, Euro 2020 and last year's World Cup.
Scotland are pretty much guaranteed of a place at the tournament in Germany after their 100 per cent start to qualification. They've already beaten Nations League holders Spain and will be expected to win in Cyprus on Friday night.
England are also on the verge of qualifying for Euro 2024, despite being in a tough group with Ukraine, Italy, North Macedonia and Malta. They take on Ukraine in Poland on Saturday evening and will be keen to take another big step towards Germany.
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