Group B: Czech Republic 1-3 England
Goalscorers: Fila 51; Elliott 39, Rowe 48, Cresswell 76
In a week that England’s senior side have hardly covered themselves in glory, perhaps the under-21s could make it another memorable summer? While Lee Carsley has played down his youthful squad’s chances of emulating Dave Sexton’s back-to-back triumphs in becoming European champions in 1982 and 1984, a convincing and mature victory over a boisterously backed Czech Republic team hinted that it may not be beyond the realms of possibility.
Goals from Harvey Elliott and Charlie Cresswell sandwiched by another from Jonathan Rowe were enough to allow England to take a commanding position in Group B after brief hopes of a comeback from the Czech Republic. Victory over Slovenia, who were beaten 3-0 by Germany in their opening match, on Sunday would assure a place in the quarter-finals.
Carsley had warned that an inexperienced squad that contains just two of those who won in Georgia two years ago could look “a little bit clunky”. But while Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson managed to pick up a booking after just 17 seconds for a misjudged tackle, England made an encouraging start with the captain, James McAtee, employed as a false 9 in the absence of Liam Delap, who is one of several players missing due to Club World Cup commitments.
