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Bella-Kotchap makes senior Germany debut in pulsating clash with England

Saints defender Armel Bella-Kotchap (Picture: Stuart Martin)
Saints defender Armel Bella-Kotchap (Picture: Stuart Martin)

SAINTS defender Armel Bella-Kotchap came off the bench to make his senior Germany debut in Monday’s 3-3 draw against England at Wembley.

The 20-year-old was brought on for the latter stages of the Nations League contest.

England were condemned to relegation from the Nations League's top tier with Friday's meek 1-0 loss in Italy and things looked set to get worse as Ilkay Gundogan's penalty and a wondrous Kai Havertz strike silenced Wembley.

But the home team dug deep and roared ahead as Luke Shaw and Mason Mount efforts were complemented by a Harry Kane spot-kick, only for a late Nick Pope error to be gobbled up by Havertz at the end of a frenetic encounter.

Having signed from VfL Bochum in June this summer, centre-back Bella Kotchap has not missed a minute in his club’s past five Premier League encounters – forming an impressive partnership alongside Ghanaian Mohammed Salisu.

He is set to be involved when Saints host Everton in the top flight on Saturday (3pm).

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