Skip to content
Full Time After Extra Time This is a live match. Extra Time Half Time

Czech Rep U21 vs England U21. Under-21 International.

Letna Stadium.

Czech Rep U21 0

    England U21 1

      Czech Rep U21s 0-1 England U21s: Tom Carroll header secures win

      Tom Carroll: Joy for England in Prague in their U-21 friendly
      Image: Tom Carroll: Joy for England in Prague in their Under-21 friendly

      Tom Carroll's second-half goal was enough to steer England U-21s to a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic as they continued their preparations for this summer's European Championships.

      The win will be a big boost for Gareth Southgate's men, who took the chance to acclimatise to their surroundings with the Czech Republic playing hosts to the tournament in June.

      Southgate handed debuts to Arsenal defender Calum Chambers - already a full international - Southampton full-back Matt Targett and Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli for the clash and England made a bright start, dictating possession and tempo early on.

      The Czechs looked dangerous on the break, however, and the home side could have opened the scoring when Carroll, on loan at Swansea from Tottenham, had to clear Matej Vydra's shot off the line after 25 minutes.

      England continued to enjoy more of the ball but the visitors struggled to penetrate the defence of their opponents, who grew into the game and finished the stronger side before the interval.

      The Czechs' momentum stalled after the restart, however, as goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka spilled Chambers' cross and the ball fell conveniently for Carroll to slot home.

      The midfielder picked up a knock in the process and had to be replaced by Will Hughes soon after, but England grew in confidence after the goal and looked the more likely to grab a second in the latter stages.

      Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, on loan at Derby, was guilty of spurning a chance in the final 10 minutes when Nathan Redmond's cross reached him at the far post and his side-foot finish was deflected wide.

      It made little difference, however, as England held on for victory and now look ahead to a home clash against Germany on Monday.

      Around Sky