Ings and Adams show Euro class
FORGET last night’s Brit Awards. The real Brits worth admiring were at St Mary’s, as Danny Ings and Che Adams showcased the quality that could be gracing Euro 2020. Ings came back with a bang, scoring twice on his first appearance since April 21 and the 100th senior goal of his career as he endeavours to impress England’s Gareth Southgate. Scotland’s Adams scored from the tightest of angles to make it 2-1 before setting up Ings to complete the 3-1 victory and secure a Saints turnaround after Crystal Palace’s early opener through Christian Benteke. ‘I’ve got to give myself the best chance,’ Ings said on the Euros. ‘I’ve been out for three weeks and I felt really good out there.’ Palace scored within two minutes — Benteke retained the ball in a packed box then blasted a shot between Fraser Forster’s legs. Southampton were level after 19 minutes with Nathan Redmond crossing for Ings, who controlled the ball then spun his body to find the bottom right corner. Palace looked set to regain the lead in the 41st minute after Wilfried Zaha won a penalty under pressure from Redmond. Luka Milivojevic stepped up but Forster produced a strong save. At the start of the second half, Adams scored from a tight angle after a corner routine before he turned provider for Ings’ composed finish to seal the victory. SOUTHAMPTON (4-4-2): Forster 7; Walker-Peters 6, Bednarek 6 (Salisu 45min, 6), Vestergaard 6, Stephens 6; Minamino 6.5, Ward-Prowse 6.5, Armstrong 6.5, Redmond 6; Adams 7.5, INGS 8 (Obafemi 76). Subs not used: McCarthy, Djenepo, Tella, Diallo, Walcott, N’Lundulu, Ferry. Scorers: Ings 19, 75, Adams 48. Booked: Bednarek, Vestergaard. Manager: Ralph Hasenhuttl 6. CRYSTAL PALACE (4-3-3): Guaita 6; Ward 6, Kouyate 6, Dann 6, Mitchell 6; Riedewald 6, Milivojevic 5.5 (Schlupp 65, 6), Eze 6; Ayew 6 (Batshuayi 72), Benteke 6.5 (Mateta 78), Zaha 6. Subs not used: Butland, Van Aanholt, Townsend, McCarthy, Cahill, Kelly. Scorer: Benteke 2. Booked: Ayew, Kouyate, Zaha. Manager: Roy Hodgson 6. Referee: Andy Madley 6.