Nelson fires sizzler to lift Young Lions

EPIC matches like Monday’s magical display in Seville must sometimes seem a long way away for England’s youngsters. But learning from nights like this is hugely important. Eight of England’s senior starters in their past two games — including that mammoth result in Spain — first played at Under 21 level for Gareth Southgate so it is fair to say the recent displays of Reiss Nelson could be of real significance. He set England on their way in this European Championship dead rubber against Scotland, and did so in style on the hour. His 30-yard free-kick, curling into Ross Doohan’s top right corner, could have come from someone several years older. ‘I was trying to get Dominic Solanke on it,’ joked manager Aidy Boothroyd. ‘Reiss decided to take it, he’s a confident young fella, and it’s unsaveable. ‘He was trying a bit too hard at times but there were some really good moments of skill.’ Nelson, 18, followed up his debut goal against Andorra magnificently. The fleet-footed Arsenal forward has scored twice in three games on loan at Hoffenheim and the Bundesliga website said cheekily ‘move over Jadon Sancho’ when profiling him this week. This was only Nelson’s second game at Under 21 level but he has played for every age group from the Under 16s. England have a clear method on Southgate’s watch with Boothroyd, and those coaches beneath him, proving adept at preparing the country’s most talented youngsters. It is now 35 qualifiers unbeaten and the 2019 tournament in Italy is the seventh consecutive they have reached — a record unrivalled across the continent. Kicking on when it matters is now the aim. There are decisions to be made about which players Boothroyd takes. Nelson and Phil Foden, who came off the bench in Edinburgh, might already have had a senior call-up by then. ‘Part of my job is getting them through to the seniors,’ Boothroyd added. ‘Some bighitters aren’t coming back to us and are established. We’ve got outstanding talents.’ Kieran Dowell is another, his