Ken Sema had to settle for being an unused substitute as Sweden made a successful start to their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Romania.

The 25-year-old, who has not featured for the Hornets since coming off the bench in the 5-0 defeat at Liverpool, watched on as goals from Robin Quaison and Viktor Cleasson put the Swedes 2-0 up at half-time in Stockholm in the Group F qualifier that was refereed by Michael Oliver.

Although substitute Claudiu Keseru halved the deficit in the 58th minute, the Swedes held on to make a winning start ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to neighbours Norway.

Ryan Cassidy gained more international experience at youth level as Republic of Ireland Under-18s drew 0-0 in Turkey.

The Irish had been beaten 4-0 in the first match of their double header on Thursday, but an improved performance saw Andy Reid’s side have their chances to win the game in Istanbul.

There was disappointment for fellow Hornets youngster Sonny Blu-Lo Everton though, as Scotland Under-17s lost 3-0 to Russia and had two players sent off.

The hosts had their first player dismissed in the 21st minute and after the Russians had quickly made their numerical supremacy count by taking the lead, Lo-Everton was replaced in the 26th minute.