Evans: "I was not up to scratch for Northern Ireland"

Slovenia beat Northern Ireland 4-2 in the 2024 EURO qualifier on Thursday. Jonny Evans, who joined Manchester United in the summer transfer window, scored a 53rd-minute goal to help his side but his efforts were not enough.

Moreover, the 35-year-old scored an own goal in the 17th minute to extend his rivals' lead. It was not his day and the defender knows that he was "not up to scratch" for his national team.

"I didn't think I played great myself. I know I got a goal, but my own personal performance probably wasn't up to scratch. I'm experienced enough and wise enough to admit that. We can't be giving away cheap goals at the start of the game like we did," he said.

"It was difficult to take in terms of the defence. That's something we have always been solid and quite strong with. Even during the game I was thinking this is not a typical Northern Ireland match especially away from home."