PHIL FODEN produced a moment of magic to help inspire England under-21s to victory – maintaining their perfect Euro 2021 qualifying record. Foden is still finding it hard to show his undoubted potential at Manchester City as the Premier League champions desperately try to keep pace with Liverpool. But the 19-year-old came up with a […]
PHIL FODEN produced a moment of magic to help inspire England under-21s to victory – maintaining their perfect Euro 2021 qualifying record.
Foden is still finding it hard to show his undoubted potential at Manchester City as the Premier League champions desperately try to keep pace with Liverpool.
But the 19-year-old came up with a brilliant free-kick to set Aidy Boothroyd’s side on the way to another comfortable qualifying win.
Having survived an eager start from Albania, it was Foden’s excellent 22nd-minute free-kick from just outside the area into the top corner which set the Young Lions on their way.
Foden gave Andrea Hoxha no chance with his sweetly curled effort into the top left-hand corner after Cokaj had brought down Conor Gallagher.
After Foden struck the woodwork just after the half-hour mark, England should have doubled their lead from the penalty spot 12 minutes later.
Charlton midfielder Gallagher’s fierce strike from distance was deflected narrowly wide by Jon Mersinaj, only for Swiss referee Lionel Tschudi to point to the spot for handball.
But Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster then struck the left-hand upright as Hoxha dived the wrong way.
England, though, continued to press for a second, with Hoxha making fine saves from Brewster and Gallagher before the latter unleashed a left-foot rocket from the top of the D two minutes before the break – after being teed up by Foden – to give the visitors a comfortable half-time cushion.
England dominated in terms of territory and possession in the second half but had to wait until added time before adding their third.
It was not Brewster’s night as he missed a sitter from inside the six-yard box in the 52nd minute, resulting in him kicking a post in frustration.
Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood then did likewise 10 minutes later, although his embarrassment was spared by the offside flag.
With the clock then ticking down, substitutes Ryan Sessegnon and Arsenal striker Reiss Nelson combined beautifully for the latter to sweep home the Spurs winger’s pull-back.
