Jones sees red as late goal ends Boothroyd hopes
LIVERPOOL star Curtis Jones was sent off in an incredible bust-up as England Under-21s suffered injury-time heartbreak to crash out of the European Championships.
The 20-year-old confronted Croatia players after the final whistle amid a manic loss of control in Koper.
Jones had to be repeatedly wrestled away from a fight by England coaching staff after a 91st-minute wonder-goal from Domagoj Bradaric, which was rifled home from 25 yards, wrecked the Three Lions’ hopes and left them bottom of Group D.
Earlier, the Anfield youngster had been brilliant as
Aidy Boothroyd’s men claimed the two-goal lead, with Portugal also beating Switzerland, that would have sent England into the knockout stages in May.
Jones scored England’s second goal, coolly crashing home from just 15 yards out in the 75th minute.
Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze had opened the scoring after 12 minutes with a penalty that was won by Eddie Nketiah.
England were energetic and determined, everything they were not in the first two Group D defeats, and questions will be asked as to the attacking intent, team selection and attitude in the previous games.
Jones blew his top as the Croats danced around the pitch celebrating, and 53 4 5 2 2 16 4 0
CROATIA 1 ENGLAND 2
Boothroyd said: “It got a bit heated.There has been no racial situation at all. It was the passion and disappointment, one team celebrating and our boys nearby being devastated at the result.
“There was a team jumping around, staff on the pitch celebrating in between some of our boys. It was highly emotive but both sets of staff sorted it out.”
The FA will conduct a review of the Under-21 situation.
Asked if he was the right man to still lead the Under-21s, Boothroyd, whose contract is up in June, said: “I think so.The players who have come through the system suggest there is pathway there from Under-15 up. They know they all have a chance of the first team. I will carry on supporting Gareth [Southgate] as long as he needs me.
“I am fielding lots of questions about my future. Is it winning or development? I know what it is.We are part of a pathway to produce players for Gareth. I am confident I am doing what is required in the job.”
CROATIA U21 (4-3-3): Kotarski 6, Sverko 6 (Musa 86), Vuskovic 6, Franjic 6, Bradaric 8; Moro 7, Babec 6 (Zaper 64, 6), Bistrovic 6; Ivanusec 7, Vizinger 6 (Divkovic 86), Spikic 6 (Colina 64). Goal: Bradaric 90.
ENGLAND U21 (4-3-3): Ramsdale 7, Aarons 7, Tanganga 6, Wilmot 6, Kelly 6; Eze 7, Skipp 6, Gallagher 7 (Cantwell 71); Jones 7, McNeil 7 (S Sessegnon 89), Nketiah 6 (Brewster 71). Sent off: Jones 90. Goals: Eze 12 pen, Jones 74.
SIMON BIRD
CROATIA v ENGLAND
POSSESSION % SHOTS ON TARGET SHOTS OFF TARGET BLOCKED SHOTS CORNERS FOULS YELLOW CARDS RED CARDS Source: Opta 47 5 6 2 5 16 4 1