Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 9, 2024 3:00 pm GMT
England U21s Overpower Austria in Dominant 4-1 Victory
In a thrilling display of young talent, the England Under-21s soccer team defeated Austria U21s 4-1 during a friendly match at Kenilworth Road on Monday night. This victory marked the first win for interim coach Ben Futcher and showcased Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers’ exceptional performance, as he scored twice to lead the Young Lions to victory.
Morgan Rogers Shines on Home Soil
Rogers opened the scoring for England in the 25th minute, converting a penalty kick into the top left corner after being fouled in the box. His strong start set the tone for the match, but the lead was short-lived. Just ten minutes later, Austria’s Thierno Ballo equalized with a curling shot from outside the box that left England goalkeeper James Beadle with no chance of stopping it.
Second Half Surge
After regrouping during the halftime break, the Young Lions returned to the field with newfound determination. Just four minutes into the second half, Rogers managed to net his second goal of the night, showcasing his skill with a finesse shot into the far right corner. This 2-1 lead was supported by further offensive contributions from Manchester City’s James McAtee and West Bromwich Albion’s Tom Fellows, sealing England’s commanding win.
Match Highlights
- First Goal: Morgan Rogers penalties in the 25th minute.
- Austria Equalizes: Thierno Ballo scores in the 35th minute.
- England Lead Restored: Rogers scores again in the 49th minute.
- Third Goal: McAtee contributes in the 59th minute.
- Final Goal: Tom Fellows scores in the 81st minute.
Early Match Developments
The match had a lively start, with Liam Delap receiving a yellow card just 20 seconds into the game for a diving attempt. Austria quickly tested the Young Lions, putting Beadle to work with a challenging free-kick from winger Christoph Lang. However, England’s defensive unit rebounded quickly, creating chances that were unfortunately missed by Delap and Rogers, showcasing the need for sharper finishing as they sought to avoid a repeat performance from their previous goalless draw against Northern Ireland.
England’s Tactical Approach
Under Futcher’s leadership, England adopted a 4-3-3 formation, allowing for a fluid attacking style that kept Austria on their toes. Key players like Rogers, McAtee, and Lewis Hall demonstrated their ability to create space and opportunities. Futcher praised the team’s second-half performance, highlighting their ability to maintain possession and create clear-cut chances that ultimately resulted in a crucial home win.
Looking Ahead
This victory not only boosts England’s morale but also sets a positive tone as they continue their qualifying campaign for the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Players are encouraged by their performance, particularly Rogers, whose contributions were instrumental both in the scoring and in opening up the game for his teammates.
Morgan Rogers celebrates after scoring one of his two goals against Austria U21s.
Final Thoughts from the Interim Coach
After the match, Futcher expressed pride in the team’s performance, stating, “We were better in the second half…it could’ve been more, it was a really good performance.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on the opposition and capitalizing on scoring opportunities, qualities that will be vital as the team prepares for upcoming matches.
The England U21 soccer team wants to keep playing well as they begin their journey in the Euro qualifiers. They are excited to show off their new talents and keep up their good start!
