Florian Wirtz shines as Liverpool team-mate Hugo Ekitike steals the show

Several Liverpool players were in action on Friday in World Cup qualifying fixtures for their nations.

23:33, Fri, Oct 10, 2025 Updated: 23:33, Fri, Oct 10, 2025

SINSHEIM, GERMANY - OCTOBER 10: Florian Wirtz of Germany interacts with Julian Nagelsmann, Head Coach of Germany, following the

Florian Wirtz impressed for Germany against Luxembourg (Image: Getty Images)

Several Liverpool stars were in action on Friday night, with mixed individual success in their respective World Cup qualifying matches. Summer signing Florian Wirtz put on a strong performance as Germany thrashed 10-man Luxembourg at the PreZero Arena. Although the Liverpool midfielder didn't score or assist, he was a key player for Julian Nagelsmann and saw plenty of action.

The 22-year-old former Bayer Leverkusen star was heavily involved in much of Germany's forward play, creating four opportunities for his team-mates and hitting the post with a well-struck free-kick. Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike, making his first start for France, set up Kylian Mbappe's opening goal in an impressive performance against Azerbaijan. The Liverpool forward played for 79 minutes before being substituted for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 10: Adrien Rabiot (2nd L) of France celebrates with Hugo Ekitike (L) after scoring during the FIFA World

Hugo Ekitike did well on his first France start (Image: Anadolu, Anadolu via Getty Images)

Ibrahima Konate was on the bench for France after sustaining an injury last weekend during Liverpool's match against Chelsea. However, his inclusion in the squad suggests his quad problem won't keep him out of action for long.

However, it wasn't all positive news for Conor Bradley and Alexander Isak, despite the former captaining Northern Ireland to a crucial victory over Slovakia.

Bradley put in a commendable performance, completing the most dribbles and drawing the most fouls of anyone on the pitch, but he was booked after being penalised for a tackle in the second half.

The Liverpool defender has been accumulating yellow cards recently, and this latest one means he will be suspended for Northern Ireland's match against Germany on Monday.

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - OCTOBER 10: Conor Bradley of Northern Ireland applauds the fans after being substituted off during t

Conor Bradley is suspended for Northern Ireland's next match (Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Isak played the full 90 minutes for Sweden - a positive sign as he continues to regain his match fitness - but the Scandinavian team suffered a setback in their hopes of reaching the USA, Canada and Mexico by losing 2-0 at home to Switzerland.

Goals from Granit Xhaka and Johan Manzambi left Sweden languishing at the bottom of its World Cup qualifying group. Halfway through the qualification phase, it has only managed to secure one point from three matches.

Despite boasting talented players like Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, Sweden currently lags behind Slovenia and Kosovo in the standings and is playing catch-up.

Jan Dahl Tomassen's side faces significant pressure ahead of the Kosovo match on Monday, where Isak is expected to feature again now that he is in better form than during the last international break, when he was only used sparingly.

Liverpool will resume Premier League action against Manchester United a week on Sunday, when Slot's team will aim to recover from three consecutive losses in all competitions.

Alexis Mac Allister could soon be in action for Argentina as they face Venezuela in a friendly match in Florida, while Hungary, featuring Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez, and Georgia, with Giorgi Mamardashvili, are both set to play on Saturday.