Manchester United have been handed a double defensive boost after two fine individual performances during the international break.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have struggled at the back so far this season and have only kept four clean sheets across the 12 matches they have played.
Two of those shutouts came in the Carabao Cup, with another against RB Leipzig in the Champions League while their only Premier League clean sheet came at the expense of attacking threat in a drab draw with Chelsea.
However, there was sign of improvement for United on Thursday night after two impressive defensive displays from senior squad members.
The first came from makeshift centre-back Scott McTominay who starred in defence as Scotland defeated Serbia on penalties in their European Championship play-off encounter.
McTominay has adapted well to his new defensive responsibilities, and despite the sloppy nature of Serbia's equalising goal, is showing signs which suggest he might be ready for a deeper role at Old Trafford.
There was also a huge confidence boost for Harry Maguire who captained England, scored a goal and kept a clean sheet in the friendly win over Republic of Ireland.
Maguire has endured a difficult start to the new season but built upon his impressive performance against Everton last weekend with a flawless display at Wembley Stadium. United teammate Dean Henderson featured from the bench for his senior international debut.
Elsewhere and young midfielder Dylan Levitt played 80 minutes for Wales in their goalless draw against the United States of America at the Liberty Stadium, with Daniel James playing half an hour as a second-half substitute.
Ethan Galbraith was not included in the matchday squad for Northern Ireland's play-off defeat to Slovakia. Marcus Rashford did not feature for England and will not now meet up with the squad as planned due to injury.
