England earn landmark opening U21 Euros win against Czech Republic, Italy furious in defeat to France
England got off to a strong start at the European Under-21 Championship, beating the Czech Republic 2-0 to go top of Group C. It was the first time since 2009 that an England side has won its opening match at the tournament, and Germany’s 1-1 draw with Israel in the other game makes the Three Lions standalone group leaders. Ad Noni Madueke hit the bar early on, but England came under pressure in the first half in Batumi and had goalkeeper James Trafford to thank for keeping the score level at the break.
