"Tonali scores a good goal from the edge of the box, and it gives them a lift," admitted Hull City's McNair. I thought times we played through the press and there was lots of space and I think we maybe rushed our attacks." Northern Ireland were missing key players such as Conor Bradley, Dan Ballard and Ali McCann through injury, with the average age of their side at just 22.5 years - the second-youngest since World War Two. McNair was the only player in the starting line-up who played in their last major tournament, the 2016 Euros in France. "Players who didn't get on the pitch tonight as well, there is a lot of strength and depth and I think Northern Ireland have a bright future to come.

Source: BBC March 27, 2026 12:50 UTC