England Under-21s reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2023 as Group C winners following a snug 2-0 victory towards Israel.
Anthony Gordon’s header put them in entrance within the fifteenth minute earlier than Emile Smith Rowe doubled the lead within the second half.
Lee Carsley’s aspect, assured high spot after beating the Czech Republic of their opening match, will meet Germany within the closing group recreation on Wednesday.
After beginning brightly, England almost took the lead after some fast passing across the field was completed by Smith Rowe, however his backheeled effort was dominated out for offside.
They continued to assault with Gordon firing a promising ball into the field and Curtis Jones’ shot was properly defended by Gil Cohen.
The dominant begin was rewarded with quarter of an hour gone when a superb cross from Morgan Gibbs-White on the left discovered Gordon within the centre of the field and the Newcastle ahead nodded the ball into the underside nook.
England have been in cost however Israel sparked into life within the closing 10 minutes of the primary half.
Dor Turgeman had the primary alternative along with his header going large of the publish and Ethane Azoulay had a greater likelihood in stoppage time when his direct free-kick from the sting of the world was saved by James Trafford.
England had a chance to double their lead three minutes after the break when Gibbs-White threaded an excellent ball by way of to Noni Madueke, however his effort flew large.
Daniel Peretz made an excellent punch to clear the hazard from Gibbs-White’s curling free-kick earlier than a stable spell of stress from Israel noticed Karm Jaber’s effort go large.
England ultimately earned their second by way of Smith Rowe within the 68th minute with a superb end from the Arsenal ahead drilled low into the left nook.
They continued to push and substitute Cameron Archer almost made it three, however Peretz made a stable save from a good angle.
A fantastic run from Harvey Elliott down the centre discovered Cole Palmer on the correct, however his shot was simply blocked and cleared by the Israel defence earlier than Yoav Hofmeister made a stable problem to cease Jacob Ramsey’s tried shot within the closing minutes.
PA
Source: www.unbiased.co.uk