Scotland's defeat in Israel highlighted "how far we've got to go", according to head coach Steve Clarke, as his side missed out on promotion to Nations League A.

After ending their 23-year major finals exile with Euro play-off success over Serbia last week, Scotland were beaten in Slovakia and then Israel when a win in either game would have seen them win Group B2.

"We have to be better. We have to improve," he said.

"We've come a long way in a short time. We shouldn't forget how far we've come but we know how far we've got to go if we want to be regularly successful and regularly qualifying for tournaments.

"We have to go away from home and get good results. Effort and endeavour - you can't fault the players for that in the two games. But the little bit of quality was missing when we needed it."

Now in case you're wondering what's what from all the Nations League groups...voila:

Qualified for next year's finals: Italy (A1), Belgium (A2), France (A3), Spain (A4)

Promoted: Austria (B1), Czech Republic (B2), Hungary (B3), Wales (B4), Montenegro (C1), Armenia (C2), Slovenia (C3), Albania (C4), Faroe Islands (D1), Gibraltar (D2)

Relegated: Bosnia-Herzegovina (A1), Iceland (A2), Sweden (A3), Switzerland/Ukraine (A4),* Northern Ireland (B1), Slovakia (B2), Turkey (B3), Bulgaria (B4)

Relegation play-off: Cyprus (C1), Estonia (C2), Moldova (C3), Kazakhstan (C4)

*Uefa must decide the result of Ukraine's game with Switzerland after it could not take place. Switzerland will be relegated unless they are given three points, in which case Ukraine are down.

The Times

Image source, The Times

Right let's have a quick look at some of the national newspaper back pages...

The Republic of Ireland weren't exactly helped by Matt Doherty and James McClean both returning positive coronavirus tests after the defeat to Wales on Sunday, just two days after Alan Browne tested positive having featured in the friendly loss to England.

But still 11 hours without scoring a goal.

How old is Robbie Keane again? And is he fit enough to lace up his boots?

I'm only joking but you get the gist.

Not been a great time for the Republic of Ireland recently has it?

Stephen Kenny's introduction to international management has seen four draws and four defeats from eight matches.

But at least they avoided relegation from Nations League B with a goalless draw against Bulgaria in Dublin.

The Republic finish the campaign in third behind Wales and Finland with Bulgaria dropping down a tier.

Ronan Curtis missed the home side's clearest chance while Robbie Brady struck the bar from distance.

BBC Radio 5 Live

Fancy hearing a bit more about all that...

We've got you covered with the Football Daily pod.

Mark Chapman, former England internationals Karen Carney and Matt Upson and senior football reporter, Ian Dennis talk England.

Meanwhile former Wales captain, Kevin Ratcliffe and Wales football correspondent, Rob Phillips cover off everything after a superb night for Wales.

Plus plenty more. Just have a listen.

Still Phil Foden didn't get MOM...

That honour went elsewhere. This chap has made a very decent case to be a regular starter for England hasn't he?

And modest as well.

Just to back that last entry up...

Bit better for England mind, with Phil Foden the star turn, as Gareth Southgate's side ended their Nations League campaign with a comfortable win against Iceland in a dead rubber at Wembley.

With England's hopes of reaching the finals had already gone it proved a good opportunity for some of the emerging younger players to stake a claim for spots.

Declan Rice headed England in front with his first international goal after 20 minutes before Mason Mount added a second from close range four minutes later.

Manchester City's Foden, still only 20 and back in the fold after being dropped for breaking Covid-19 protocols in September, also demonstrated his huge potential with a fine performance capped by two late goals.

Iceland were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Birkir Saevarsson was shown a second yellow card for dragging back Saka as England dominated.

Image source, Getty Images

Can't say it was much better for Northern Ireland either.

They ended another dismal Nations League campaign without a win as a late Romania equaliser held them to a draw at Windsor Park.

The hosts went into the match having had their relegation from the second tier confirmed just hours before with Uefa awarding Romania a win for their cancelled match against Norway.

But a well-worked Liam Boyce goal lifted the mood before Eric Bicfalvi's late equaliser.

But Scotland somehow missed out on promotion after losing their last two games when two points would have been enough.

A 1-0 defeat to Israel cost them the chance to go up and a possible World Cup play-off.

The Czech Republic were promoted instead with a 2-0 win over neighbouring Slovakia.

Probably not what manager Steve Clarke was looking for after the elation of their Euro play-off win over Serbia six days previously as Manor Solomon's thudding strike condemned them to a second successive Group B2 loss.

Having followed qualification for their first finals in 23 years by losing in Slovakia to shatter their nine-game unbeaten run, Clarke's team ended an historic week on a low in Netanya.

I'd love to say that joy was shared across the other home nations...

Image source, Getty Images

It was a very good night for Wales in Cardiff on Thursday against a pretty disciplined Finland side that went down to 10 men early doors.

Decent ball from Gareth Bale to put Harry Wilson in for the opener and Daniel James' effort to make it 2-0 was scorchio.

But the Finns hit back with a goal by Teemu Pukki - the first Wales had conceded in more than 12 hours of competitive football before Kieffer Moore's late header from James' cross sealed victory.

Image source, BBC Sport

Wales sealed promotion to join England in the top flight of the Nations League thanks to five wins and one draw from six games.

A 3-1 win over Finland in the final game secured their promotion.

They will be in the 2022 World Cup play-offs unless two or more of Italy, Belgium, France and Spain fail to qualify for the tournament or play-offs next year.

Good morning.

Well another international break is done and dusted and there were mixed fortunes for the home nations.

Wales were promoted to the Nations League top flight, but Scotland missed out - and Northern Ireland have been relegated.

Italy, Belgium, France and Spain are in next year's finals - but England, who finished third in their group, are not.

We’ll have all the reaction from that and plenty more.