Foden the inspiration as youngsters keep up winning momentum

England maintained their 100 per cent record in qualifying for the 2021 European Under-21 Championship with a comfortable 3-0 victory in Albania. Aidy Boothroyd’s side were initially made to work hard at the Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder before running out easy winners to continue to lead the way at the top of Group Three.

England made the breakthrough in the 22nd minute courtesy of a stunning 22-yard left-foot free-kick from Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden. After Foden struck the woodwork just after the half-hour mark, England should have doubled their lead from the penalty spot 12 minutes later following a handball decision. But Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster struck an upright.

England, though, continued to press for a second, with Andrea Hoxha making fine saves from Brewster and Conor Gallagher before the latter unleashed a leftfoot rocket from the top of the D two minutes before the break – after being teed up by Foden – to give the visitors a comfortable halftime cushion. 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 he was flagged offside. With the clock ticking down, substitutes Ryan Sessegnon and Reiss Nelson combined beautifully for the latter to sweep home.

Albania U21 Hoxha; Maloku, Bajrami, Mersinaj, Pellumbi, Mala (Zejnulai h-t), Kallaku (Imeri 86), Cokaj (Shehu 86), Kolaj, Xhixha (Qardaku 76), Sula (Tuci 61). England U21 Ramsdale; James, Guehi, Godfrey, Panzo (Justin 64), Willock (Nelson 64), Davies, Gallagher, Foden (Eze 81), Brewster (Sessegnon 72), Greenwood. Referee Lionel Tschudi (Switzerland).