Czech Republic U21 1 England U21 3: Harvey Elliott sends message to Slot as Three Lions get Euros defence off to flyer
HARVEY ELLIOTT reminded Arne Slot of his capabilities after his stunner for England U21s helped get their Euros defence off to a flyer.
The star, 22, has warned Liverpool he's not prepared to 'waste' his career sitting on the bench.
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And he showed his potential suitors exactly what he is capable of as his strike helped down Czech Republic at the MOL Arena in Dunajska Streda, Slovakia.
Elliott ensured England led at the break and Jonathan Rowe doubled their advantage shortly after the restart.
But Czech hit back instantly to set up a tense second period, but the Young Lions secured the 3-1 win thanks to Charlie Cresswell, who along with Elliott are the only survivors from the triumphant 2023 team.
Omari Hutchinson looked the liveliest as Lee Carsley's side started strongest but they failed to build on that as momentum swung for the Czechs.
Alarm bells were ringing when Vaclav Sejk just missed Martin Suchomel's low cross and they survived another scare when James Beadle pushed over the unmarked Stepan Chaloupek's header.
There was another let-off when a corner found Patrik Vydra free in the box and his strike deflected off Jarrell Quansah but Beadle came to the rescue again.
But England took the lead against the run of play thanks to great work from skipper James McAtee.
The Manchester City ace kept alive Tino Livramento's looping cross and he pulled it back from the byline for Elliott to run on to and rifle home.
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England beat Czech Republic 2-0 two years ago to begin their journey to European glory and the omens were looking good for a repeat moments after half time.
Twinkle-toed Livramento, the best performer for the Young Lions, produced a bit of trickery before his low cross was flicked towards goal by Rowe.
It looked to be a relatively comfortable stop for goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, but instead he bundled it into his own net.
However, hopes of a seventh-straight Euros clean sheet were quickly extinguished as Czech produced an instant response.
A dangerous cross from captain Vaclav Sejk was nodded home by Daniel Fila and suddenly the Young Lions were on the back foot.
Carsley's men stood firm to weather the storm and began to look lively on the counter after the introductions of Ethan Nwaneri and Jay Stansfield.
Arsenal teen Nwaneri was straight into the twists and turns as Carsley's men started to turn the screw.
And they got their reward when Cresswell rose highest to head home Alex Scott's corner late on to get England off to a winning start.
Bournemouth midfielder Scott certainly let his feet do the talking - as he played with a chin strap o protect his broken jaw.
They now travel to Nitra on Sunday knowing a victory over Slovenia would cement them a spot in the knockouts.
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