Burnley man scores on international debut as teammate also finds the back of the net

Burnley’s Marcus Edwards enjoyed a scoring start to his senior international career following his switch of allegiance.

The 27-year-old earned a first-ever call-up to the Cyprus squad for their Nations League games this month.

The winger, born in London, represented England from Under-16 to Under-20 level, but has never featured for the senior team.

He’s available to represent France through his father and Cyprus through his mother, but he’s now obtained a Cypriot passport and was called up for the current three-week international break.

Edwards netted the opening goal on Friday night during their Nations League opener against Montenegro, but the home side hit back twice to run out 2-1 winners.

It was a calm, low finish into the bottom corner from the former Tottenham man, scoring for the first time since equalising for Burnley against Liverpool at Anfield in January.

Cyprus, ranked 124th in the world, are back in action again on Monday night against Latvia, before facing Armenia next week and the return fixture against Latvia.

Elsewhere on the international front, Burnley’s Max Alleyne was also on the scoresheet for the England Under-21s.

Back playing in his favoured centre-back position, the 21-year-old found the back of the net with a thunderous volley during England’s 4-2 win over Kazakhstan.

It was the Manchester City man’s first goal for the Under-21s on his sixth cap.

The victory steers Lee Carsley’s side a step closer to qualification for next summer’s Under-21 European Championships, sitting six points clear at the top of their group with only two games remaining.

Qualification will be assured if England avoid defeat against Slovakia next Friday, before they round off their campaign against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, October 6.