Jordan Thompson Left on the Bench in Northern Ireland’s Victory Over Belarus

Northern Ireland secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Belarus in their UEFA Nations League match, but for Stoke City’s Jordan Thompson, it was a frustrating evening as he remained on the bench for the entire match. The game, which was crucial for both teams in their bid to qualify for the next round, saw Northern Ireland dominate possession and chances, ultimately controlling the match from start to finish.

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A Disappointing Night for Jordan Thompson

The Northern Ireland team was led by manager Ian Baraclough, who opted to leave Jordan Thompson out of the starting lineup and did not introduce him during the game. Despite his solid performances for Stoke City in the EFL Championship, Thompson has struggled to make a consistent impact in recent matches, both with his club and now with his national team.

Thompson, 27, has been a regular feature in the Stoke City squad under Narcis Pelach but has found himself out of favor recently. This lack of playing time has certainly affected his form, and this was reflected in his absence from the pitch during the key Nations League match.

Northern Ireland’s Dominance Over Belarus

Although Northern Ireland were in control, many felt that Thompson could have been given valuable minutes to help regain his match rhythm. With Northern Ireland leading comfortably for most of the game, the decision to keep Thompson on the bench was a surprising one, especially with the ongoing competition for places in the squad.

Looking Ahead to the Luxembourg Match

With the victory over Belarus, Northern Ireland now prepares for their next challenge, facing Luxembourg on November 18. Northern Ireland currently sits at the top of Group C with 10 points, while Luxembourg remains at the bottom with just 2 points. This presents a perfect opportunity for Thompson to get back into the action and regain some confidence.

The upcoming match against Luxembourg will likely be another chance for Thompson to earn playing time, and with Northern Ireland looking to secure their position in the next round, it is a crucial moment for the Stoke City player to make his mark once again with his national team.