Seven Manchester United players were in international action this weekend as European countries look to get off to a winning start in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Tim Howard, Gary Neville, Alan Smith, Darren Fletcher, John O'Shea and Louis Saha all represented their respective countries and are likely to be involved again in midweek.

Austria 2 - England 2

Despite taking an early lead in Vienna, Sven Goran Eriksson's side conceded two late goals and dropped two important points. Alan Smith started up-front with Michael Owen whilst Gary Neville played at his usual right-back position.

England took the lead 24 minutes in to silence the Austrian crowd. An intelligently taken indirect free-kick from around by the penalty spot from skipper David Beckham found Frank Lampard, who was left alone by the far post and made no mistake in tapping the ball home.

Steven Gerrard's fabulous strike after the hour mark added to Austria's problems but hit back with a double goal salvo soon after.

Republic of Ireland 3 - Cyprus 0

Two goals in the first half and just one in the second were enough to get Brian Kerr's Ireland side off to a winning World Cup Qualifiers start.

John O'Shea was involved and saw Clinton Morrison break the deadlock before Andy Reid doubled the lead with a quality goal.

Liam Miller and Roy Keane were missing, but that didn't interfere with Robbie Keane converting from the spot in the second half to roundoff a good day for the Irish.

Spain 1 - Scotland 1

This game was just a friendly but didn't have the friendly element involved at all. Tackles were flying in everywhere from Beri Vogts's outfit that included Darren Fletcher in the line-up.

Ruben Baraja scored the first goal of the game early but not for his home country, Spain. He managed to let the ball creep in after taking a considerable touch off the Valencia midfielder. Raul equalised from the spot.

The heavens opened and the flood lights failed in the second period and therefore the match had to be abandoned, half and hour in.

Elsewhere...

Winger Cristiano Ronaldo produced a superb display to earn Portugal 3 points, netting in a 2-0 victory over Latvia.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard kept a clean sheet for the USA as they struck 2 past El Salvador.

Roy Carroll watched from the bench as Northern Ireland slumped 3-0 to Poland.

Wales could only manage a draw in Azerbaijan and were without Old Trafford winger Ryan Giggs.

Louis Saha completed a full 90 minutes as France were held to a goalless draw by Israel.