England U21s 3-1 Germany U21s: Young Lions secure second win of break

England U21s 3-1 Germany U21s: Folarin Balogun, Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer strikes ensure Young Lions make it two wins from two in the international break as preparations for next summer’s European Under-21 Championships continue

  • England defeated Germany 2-1 in an Under 21 international friendly this evening
  • Folarin Balogun and Conor Gallagher were on the scoresheet at Bramall Lane
  • Manchester City’s Cole Palmer added a third goal deep into stoppage time 
  • Felix Nmecha had given the visitors the lead in a competitive first period
  • Both sides are preparing for the European Under 21 Championship next year 

There is always one who makes a run from deep into a World Cup squad and it would be foolish to discount Conor Gallagher.

This has been a good week for Gallagher. Easy to lose motivation after being dropped down into the Under 21s, his attitude exemplary. That is a trait Gareth Southgate will take into account when naming his 26-man cohort.

It helps, too, that the Chelsea midfielder made major contributions during two friendly victories over higher-ranking opposition in Italy and then Germany ahead of next summer’s Euros.

Conor Gallagher (centre) scored England’s second goal of their 3-1 win over Germany tonight

The Young Lions have won both of their games in this international break, also defeating Italy

Gallagher scored the winner tonight – after fashioning both goals in Pescara last Thursday – and offers something that little bit different to the other senior midfielders. Variation is no bad thing to possess at a major tournament.

Lee Carsley wanted proper tests before their own finals in June and the England boss will be pleased by staving off heavy Italian pressure last week and then launching a comeback against Germany.

The Young Lions were initially lacklustre; Germany took the lead on 35 minutes. Carsley protested that Levi Colwill had been fouled in the build-up to Felix Nmecha’s header but the opener was avoidable anyway. 

Felix Nmecha (right) gave Germany the lead in Sheffield with a header after 35 minutes

Folarin Balogun (right) took England’s equaliser well with a smart left-footed finish in the box

Nmecha had the beating of Max Aarons from a cross and steered past James Trafford.

England awoke, James Garner heading against the post from Harvey Elliott’s corner soon after and they were level three minutes before the break. 

Folarin Balogun’s tenacious work inside Germany’s box saw the Arsenal striker spin and flash in an equaliser off the post.

Lee Carsley’s side are preparing for next summer’s Under 21 European Championships

Perhaps going behind did them good, because Carsley’s side were reinvigorated and ahead two minutes into the second half. 

Gallagher notched, owing much to the progressive running of Jacob Ramsey from midfield and then Anthony Gordon’s clever cutback. Inside the six-yard box, Gallagher bundled in. 

Cole Palmer added a classy third on the break in stoppage time, sauntering from halfway before giving the goalkeeper the eyes.




Share this article

Source: Read Full Article