Aidy’s Young Lions fly high
DOMINIC SOLANKE’S goal helped England continue an unbeaten start to their European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign in Kiev last night.
Liverpool striker Solanke opened the scoring in the 16th minute at the Obolon Arena, before an own-goal by Pavlo Lukyanchuk sealed the victory.
Aidy Boothroyd’s side were, however, given an early warning of Ukraine’s intent when Manchester City’s attacking midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko created the first chance by feeding Stanislav Bilenkyi, whose shot was just off target from inside the penalty area.
But England were soon ahead. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Kyle Walker-Peters saw their initial attempts blocked before Nottingham Forest midfielder Kieran Dowell played in Solanke, who finished well from 18 yards.
Ukraine came close to levelling early in the second half when only a crucial intervention from goalkeeper Angus Gunn prevented Artem Besedin equalising from close in.
Boothroyd, however, then introduced Axel Tuanzebe for his U21s debut as well as striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and, soon after, their lead was doubled.
Lewis Cook, who captained the side with regular skipper Joe Gomez called up to the full England squad, went on a mazy run before playing in Solanke, who in turn fed Demarai Gray, and his cross was turned into his own net by the Lukyanchuk.
Boothroyd’s side are top of Group 4 and will host Ukraine in March in their next qualifier.