Mikel Oyarzabal and Ayoze Perez grabbed goals before Merino was subbed off with 10 minutes to play, but soon after Raya was beaten when a loose backpass allowed Gustav Isaksen to pull one back, but the holders hung on to move one step closer to retaining their crown.

France closed 2024 with an unexpected recovery in the UEFA Nations League which was completed by a 3-1 win away at Italy on Sunday. Adrien Rabiot scored a headed goal in each half as Lucas Digne excelled with a role in each of the three French goals as Didier Deschamps' men edged the Azzurri in goal difference in Milan.

Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne made three goal contributions during his 50th international cap for France, as they beat Italy 3-1 to finish top of their Nations League group on Sunday. The left-back has been in fine form for Unai Emery's side so far this season and was rewarded with an international start ahead of AC Milan's Theo Hernandez.