Omari Hutchinson also caught the eye and Charlie Cresswell found the net for Lee Carsley's side as they began the group stages in confident fashion
England Under-21s made a perfect start to the defence of their European Championship crown as they ran out 3-1 winners over Czechia on Thursday. Harvey Elliott and Charlie Cresswell got themselves on the scoresheet for the Young Lions in what was a strong opening night for Lee Carsley's side.
Tino Livramento and Omari Hutchinson both had early efforts saved in Slovakia, though England goalkeeper James Beadle also had to be alert to tip Stepan Chapoulek's header over the crossbar. It was Elliott, though, who broke the deadlock with a low effort after Livramento's deflected cross was knocked into the Liverpool midfielder's path by James McAtee.
England doubled their lead early in the second half when Livramento skipped past the Czechia full-back and fired in a low cross that was diverted into his own net by goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, though Marseille forward Jonathan Rowe may have got a touch on its way through.
Czechia offered an immediate response as Daniel Fila headed in at the back post to half the deficit, but England regained control thereafter and secured a deserved victory when Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell headed in from a corner with 14 minutes remaining. Carsley's side will next be in action against Slovenia on Sunday, before rounding out their group-stage campaign against Germany next Wednesday.
GOAL rates England's players from Dunajska Streda…
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James Beadle (7/10):
Made two fine saves in the first half as England struggled to deal with set-pieces, while he showcased his excellent passing ability when the ball was at his feet. Had no chance with Czechia's goal.
Archie Gray (6/10):
Grew into the game after being exposed defensively through the first quarter of the game. Carried the ball well and played the odd eye-catching pass.
Charlie Cresswell (6/10):
Made himself available for the ball as England built from the back, but was a little lucky not to be punished for a couple of sloppy passes. Commanding header sealed victory.
Jarell Quansah (6/10):
The more commanding of the centre-back duo, though he will be unhappy with how the Young Lions dealt with dead balls. Broke the lines with a couple of mazy dribbles in the second half.
Tino Livramento (8/10):
Absolutely electric going forward from the very first minute. Played his part in the opener before his superb skill and low cross led to England's second. Was caught out at the back post for Czechia's goal, however.
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Harvey Elliott (7/10):
Had some nice moments drifting inside from the right to combine with McAtee, though couldn't quite unpick the lock with his passing. Strong finish to open the scoring.
Alex Scott (6/10):
Faded in and out of the game, but put in plenty of hard yards off the ball when England lost possession while mostly keeping it simple in possession.
Elliot Anderson (9/10):
Booked inside the first 20 seconds, but didn't let it faze him one bit. Was at the heart of everything for England, whether that was when he baited the press while facing his own goal or when spreading the ball in attack. Commanding in every sense.
Omari Hutchinson (8/10):
Came close to opening the scoring early on and dazzled with his quick feet whenever he picked up possession. Almost opened the scoring early on, while his movement inside made him a nightmare to mark while opening space up for Livramento to overlap.
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James McAtee (5/10):
Asked to help lead the line but looked more comfortable when he was able to drop into midfield or move out wide. Got the assist for Elliott's goal, but didn't offer enough otherwise.
Jonathan Rowe (4/10):
Struggled to have much impact on the game before being replaced midway through the second half. Movement across the front post saw him rewarded, as his faint touch was enough to see him awarded England's second goal, but otherwise rarely got into the game.
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Ethan Nwaneri (6/10):
Had a couple of chances to run at the Czechia defence and let them for dead. Was guilty of taking one too many risks in his own half at times.
Jay Stansfield (5/10):
Gave England more presence up front and made a couple of good defensive interventions.
Samuel Iling-Junior (5/10):
On following the third goal to help shore up the left-hand side.
Tyler Morton (N/A):
Replaced Anderson late on.
Hayden Hackney (N/A):
On for the final seven minutes.
Lee Carsley (7/10):
Chose not to select a natural striker and it showed at times. However, putting Livramento on the left to combine with Hutchinson was an inspired move, while he wasn't shy to use his bench. Solid start.
