Russia 4-0 England

International Friendly
Spartak Ozerova, Moscow
16 August 2005

The England U20s lost their first match of the season when they went down 4-0 to a strong Russian side in the Spartak Ozerova stadium in Moscow.

England fielded an experimental side, with Dick Bate handing eight players their England debut at any level.

After a promising start, England fell behind after Russian captain Andriy Logkin fired a 26th-minute penalty past Barnsley goalkeeper Scott Flinders.

Ten minutes later Russia went further ahead when Melnikov Semen scored a wonderful goal from 18 yards.

Afforded some space by the England defence, the Russian playmaker beat three or four defenders before driving a right-footed shot straight in to the top corner, giving Flinders no chance.

After a closely-fought second half, substitute Pavlov Valeriy eventually found a way through the England rearguard to make it 3-0.

A cross from the right near the corner curled into the box and Valeriy got in front of his marker to guide a downward header in from eight yards out.

Valeriy then turned provider for another substitute, Peter Luchenko, to score a fourth goal twelve minutes later.

England U20s v Russia, Friendly, Moscow, 16 August 2005

England: Scott Flinders - Barnsley (Mark Howard - Arsenal, 45), Billy Jones - Crewe Alexandra (capt.), Andrew Taylor - Blackburn Rovers (Nathan Doyle - Derby County, 45), Asa Hall - Birmingham City, Liam Fontaine - Fulham (Nathan Ashton - Charlton Athletic, 45), Martin Riley - Wolverhampton Wanderers, Will Hoskins - Rotherham United, Ian Ross - Sheffield United (Russell Fry - Hull City, 45), David Nugent - Preston North End, Kyle Nix - Sheffield United (Paul Hopkins - Everton, 73), Keith Barker -Blackburn Rovers (Gabriel Agbonlahor - Aston Villa, 45)

Goals: Logkin 26, Semen 36, Valeriy 70, Luchenko 82