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.

International friendliesHudson-Odoi left out of U21 squad but Carsley insists he's 'committed' to England01/10/2021 AT 11:52 They turned the tide in the second half, going in front two minutes after the restart through Jacob Ramsey. The Aston Villa midfielder exchanged passes with Anthony Gordon before bursting into the box and finding the bottom corner. England sealed the three points deep in stoppage time when substitute Emile Smith Rowe tapped in from close range, leaving manager Lee Carsley feeling confident.

«Really pleased to get the result. The preparation has gone really well,” Carsley said. “I didn't want to jinx us before the game by saying that! There's a brilliant spirit within the lads.

We feel like we're in a good place.» Next up for England is a clash with Israel on Sunday at 5pm UK time. «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,» said Liverpool's Curtis Jones.