U20 International Friendly

England

2-0

Czech Republic

 

Chopra
Bentley

 

  
 

Stevenage Borough FC, 19.45

 

 

Thursday 9th October 2003


The Czech Republic came to Stevenage Borough last night with an impressive record and have also qualified for the World Youth Championships, but a composed, technically excellent display from England meant that victory last night was never in any doubt, despite a late rally from Pavel Vrba's side.

The Czech Republic had the first shot on target as early as the first minute to warm Andrew Lonergan's hands in the England goal, but the expected challenge failed to materialise, as The 3 Lions were gifted the lead after five minutes.

As Tomas Grigar received a back pass from Tomas Sivok, the young 'keeper seemed to momentarily freeze. Finally opting to clear, he crashed his clearance against the lurking Michael Chopra, and could only hold his head in his hands as the ball looped up over his head to nestle gently into the goal, and give England the softest of leads.

The majority of the home side may have only trained together for the first time in the days leading up to last night's game, but they were not lacking in quality.

Seven of the starting eleven had experienced first-team football, and in the opening exchanges, the pace of James Milner down the left, the composure of Steven Taylor in the back line, and the constant prompting of David Bentley in midfield caught the eye.

A big, noisy and youthful crowd of over 5,000 were square behind the young Lions, and rose to acclaim the move of the first half on 27 minutes. Milner's pace again left the Czech right-back trailing, and the Leeds United youngster picked out Gary O'Neil with a perfectly weighted pass on the edge of the box.

O'Neil laid the ball square to Chopra, and his pull-back found Justin Hoyte galloping into the box, but the young Arsenal full-back could only steer his shot just wide of the post.

England were raising the tempo, and Killgallon and Chopra again went close, with the Czech's seemingly unable to stem the flow of attacks from Reed's side. Despite their superior physical presence, and the target man of Roman Bednar - evoking memories of Tomas Skuhravy, the burly Czech striker who finished Italia '90 as joint top-scorer with Toto Scillachi - the visitors just could not find a way through. 

At half-time, England were good value for their lead; their performance drawing approval from interested spectators including Tottenham's Jamie Redknapp - perhaps doing some scouting for his dad on Portsmouth's Gary O'Neil - and former FA Technical Director Howard Wilkinson.

England made three changes at half-time, and just a minute later went two goals ahead. Again Milner's pace down the left carved open a chance, but the execution was of the highest class.

David Bentley took the ball twenty five yards out, and curled an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to give England the perfect start to the second half.

The young Arsenal prospect was closest to adding a third goal on 57 minutes from a set-piece. Showing increasing signs of why he was on the bench for their recent Champions League game in Moscow, along with Justin Hoyte - he was awarded a free-kick 25 yards out, and his right footed curler sailed just over the bar.

On the hour mark the crowd witnessed the first yellow card of the night, as Martin Latka put in a crunching, and slightly late tackle on Chris Carruthers, which saw the Northampton Town defender taken off as a precaution minutes later.

This signalled a new tack from the Czech's, perhaps frustrated by their inability to mount any concerted period of pressure, as an increasing number of niggly challenges came flying in.

Just as it appeared that England would be able to close out the game in comfort, Czech substitute Michal Hubnik crashed a header against the crossbar from a Limbersky free-kick, but this was to be the closest they would get to scoring.

There was still time for Eddie Johnson to limp off after another heavy challenge, but as referee Chris Foy blew the final whistle, it signalled a thoroughly satisfactory night's work for Les Reed and his coaching staff.

Alex Stone

For Coach Les Reed's post-match comments, views from the stands, and thoughts from the England team, stay logged on to TheFA.com.....

England Team

Andrew Lonergan (Lenny Pidgeley - 46mins), Justin Hoyte (Ben Bowditch - 56mins), James McEverley (Chris Carruthers - 46mins, Brian Howard - 63mins), Darren Carter, Steven Taylor, Matt Kilgallon, Jerome Thomas (Lee Croft - 46mins), Gary O'Neil (c) (Eddie Johnson - 75mins), Michael Chopra (Tommy Wright - 56mins), David Bentley (Stephen Cooke - 75mins), James Milner (David Fox - 63mins)