Greece 0-3 England LIVE REACTION: Lee Carsley hails ‘outstanding’ Curtis Jones as Liverpool star breaks 41-year record
England Under-21s produced a superb display to beat Greece 3-0 in their Euro 2023 qualifier in Chesterfield.
Goals from Emile Smith Rowe, Rhian Brewster and Curtis Jones sealed a comfortable victory for the Young Lions, who made it two wins from two in Group G. Liverpool midfielder Jones was handed his first start at this level and he marked the occasion with a stunning goal, becoming the first player to score for England Under-21s direct from a corner since Paul Gascoigne in 1980.Speaking after the game, Under-21s boss Lee Carsley hailed Jones’ performance as “outstanding”.
“He was excellent tonight,” Carsley said. “He showed great composure to score that goal and he was a threat to Greece all night. He’s a very exciting young player and I’m delighted with his performance.”
England took the lead in the 24th minute when Smith Rowe fired home from close range after good work from Jones. Brewster doubled the lead just before half-time with a clinical finish after being set up by Jones.
Jones then put the game to bed in the 53rd minute with his stunning goal from a corner. The Liverpool star curled the ball into the top corner from the right-hand side, leaving Greece goalkeeper Panagiotis Tsintotas with no chance.
The victory sees England move top of Group G, two points ahead of second-placed Portugal. The Young Lions will be back in action on Tuesday when they face Andorra away from home.
Reaction
Lee Carsley, England Under-21s manager: “I’m really pleased with the performance tonight. We played some really good football and created a lot of chances. We were clinical in front of goal and we defended well. I’m delighted with the three points.”
Curtis Jones, England Under-21s midfielder: “It was a great night for the team. We played really well and we deserved to win. I was delighted to score my first goal for the Under-21s and it was a special moment to do it from a corner. I’m really enjoying playing for England and I’m looking forward to the next game.”
Rhian Brewster, England Under-21s forward: “It was a good performance from the team. We created a lot of chances and we were clinical in front of goal. I’m happy to have scored my first goal for the Under-21s and I’m looking forward to the next game.”
Emile Smith Rowe, England Under-21s midfielder: “It was a great win for the team. We played really well and we deserved to win. I was delighted to score my first goal for the Under-21s and it was a special moment to do it in front of my home crowd. I’m really enjoying playing for England and I’m looking forward to the next game.”
