Anthony Gordon and Folarin Balogun both scored on their first England U21 starts as the Young Lions saw off the Czech Republic U21s 3-1 in Euro 2023 qualifying at Turf Moor.
Everton striker Gordon had only received his first U21 call-up last week, but immediately repaid Lee Carsley’s faith for including him in the starting XI, quickly making his mark on his debut. Within five minutes, his strike was helped into the net by Filip Kaloc’s leg (4).
While some may have debated whether it was an own goal or not, there was no denying the second was Gordon’s for the taking as he turned home from Conor Gallagher’s saved shot (11).
Folarin Balogun was also making his first U21s start – replacing the suspended Rhian Brewster – and nabbed his maiden goal as he turned home from Jacob Ramsey’s wonderful through ball (30).
The Czech Republic had just one shot on target and it came from the penalty spot. Luke Thomas clipped Adam Karabec inside the area, with the midfielder dispatching the spot-kick himself. However, it did little to inspire a Czech comeback as England saw out a quiet second half for a vital three points.
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The Young Lions move up to second in Group G of the U21 European Championship Qualifiers, cutting the Czech Republic’s lead to two points. However, England do have a game in hand as the campaign continues.
England see off Czechs to close qualifying gap
It was an incredible start from both England and Gordon. The Young Lions capitalised on their early pressure and Gordon was slotted in down the left flank. He found himself some space to strike, with the ball helped into the back of the net by Czech captain Kaloc’s outstretched leg.
Seven minutes later and the young Everton striker doubled his tally. Adam Gabriel’s poor pass was easily collected by Balogun, sending Gallagher through down the right. His own shot was well saved by Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar, but Gordon was lurking at the back post to tap home into an empty net.
As with any game, the pace soon began to level out, but England continued to see the better of the chances and overall play. Jacob Ramsey’s effort from range just lifted over the crossbar, before Cole Palmer’s thunderous drive forced a good save from Kovar.
The Czech Republic were punished once again for their poor play as England scored their third. Ramsey easily dispossessed Tomas Cvancara in midfield before slotting both Balogun and Gallagher through down the right, with the Arsenal striker the first to have the ball under his control before striking into the far corner.
But the visitors began to show their teeth as the half drew to a close, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot. Luke Thomas was penalised for a trip on Karabec and the Czech midfielder took the spot-kick himself, chipping the ball over Josef Bursik. With the last kick of the half, Martin Vitik almost nodded home from a Karabec free-kick, but the effort lifted over the crossbar.
It was a much quieter second half, with England seeing a few chances fall their way. Early on, a wonderful long ball from Taylor Harwood-Bellis picked out Gordon down the left. He cut into the area, but his strike forced a strong save from Kovar. Soon after, both Palmer and Ramsey fired just wide with good efforts.
However, it was a sad end to a wonderful performance from Palmer as he limped off clutching his hamstring in the 73rd minute. He was replaced by Angel Gomes.
There was a minor late rally from the Czech Republic, but England saw out the game rather comfortably as they boosted their chances of reaching the U21 Euros in 2023.
Man of the match – Anthony Gordon
Former England goalkeeper Rob Green on Sky Sports co-commentary:
“On his debut, it was something a little bit special that Gordon could only dream of. It is something he will remember for the rest of his career, scoring on his debut and he looked a real threat.
“We talked about Cole Palmer in the build-up, but he’s stolen the show tonight.”
England U21’s Euro 2023 qualifying campaign
September 7: England 2-0 Kosovo
October 7: Slovenia 2-2 England
October 11: Andorra 0-1 England
November 11: England 3-1 Czech Republic
March 25, 2022: England vs Andorra
March 29: Albania vs England
June 3: Czech Republic vs England
June 7: England vs Albania
June 10: Kosovo vs England
June 14: England vs Slovenia