90’+5’Full TimeSecond Half ends, Czechia U21 0, England U21 2.90’+4’Attempt missed. Morgan Gibbs-White (England U21) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Cameron Archer.90’+3’Attempt blocked. Emile Smith Rowe (England U21) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Morgan Gibbs-White.90’+2’Attempt saved. Emile Smith Rowe (England U21) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Cameron Archer.90’+1’Attempt saved. Jacob Ramsey (England U21) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Anthony Gordon.90’+1’Foul by Morgan Gibbs-White (England U21).90’Czechia U21 0, England U21 2. Emile Smith Rowe (England U21) right footed shot from very close range to the top right corner. Assisted by Cameron Archer with a through ball following a fast break.90’Substitution, England U21. Conor Johnson replaces Curtis Jones.89’Attempt blocked. Jacob Ramsey (England U21) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Anthony Gordon.
England Under-21s Get Off to Perfect Start with Victory over Czech Republic
The England Under-21s have made a perfect start to their European Championship campaign with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic. Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey opened the scoring early in the second half, before Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe sealed victory deep into stoppage time. Midfielder Curtis Jones believes this is one of the best England Under-21 sides he has seen, and they will be hoping to continue their good form when they face Israel in their next group match on Sunday.
First Half
Lee Carsley’s side named an attacking line-up, with Anthony Gordon, Morgan Gibbs-White, Curtis Jones and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke all in the starting XI. Prior to Ramsey’s opener, England also went close in the first half when Madueke curled a shot against the bar after some good work on the right-hand side, while three other chances also went begging. The Czech Republic’s best chance fell to forward Vasil Kusej, who raced through on goal but shot wide.
Second Half
Ramsey opened the scoring early in the second half, picking the ball up and exchanging passes with Gordon before bursting into the box and slotting into the far corner. Gordon then had a goal ruled out for an infringement by Gibbs-White, but Smith Rowe sealed victory deep into stoppage time when he tapped in at the far post after being teed up by Cameron Archer.
Carsley’s Reaction
Carsley was pleased with his side’s performance and believes that they are now in a strong position to reach the knockout stage: “It was important that we got off to a really good start. The preparation has gone so well. But we’ve done nothing yet. We’ve got a good start so we’ve got to make sure we capitalise on that.”
Jones’ Reaction
Jones was also full of praise for his teammates: “We’ve got a team that ability wise and talent wise is one of the best I’ve seen. It’s hard to put us all in the team. I just get on the ball, I turn and there’s lads there that I can trust on the ball. It’s easy.”
Conclusion
The England Under-21s have made an excellent start to their European Championship campaign and will be hoping to continue their good form when they face Israel on Sunday. With an impressive array of talent at their disposal, they will be confident of progressing to the knockout stage of the competition.