Azerbaijan 0-0 England

England Under-21s ended their 100% record in Azerbaijan this afternoon as they were held 0-0 by their Group 6 rivals.

Peter Taylor's side just couldn't break down the Azeris, despite coming close on a number of occasions.

On the stroke of half-time Jonathan Stead almost broke the dead-lock. Glen Johnson made space down the right-hand side and delivered a fine cross towards the far post. The Blackburn forward met the ball with a powerful header, which just missed the target.

England continued to press as they sought the all-important goal. However, it was the home side who thought they'd taken the lead just after the change-around, but the shot that beat Scott Carson was ruled out.

Substitute Stewart Downing, on for skipper Gary O'Neil, settled into the match well and started to pull the strings for Peter Taylor's side who had another good chance soon after.

Chelsea's Johnson was again involved, but this time it was his volley from James Milner's cross forced a save from the 'keeper.

The on the 72nd minute, Stead looked certain to score.  Jermaine Pennant's cross caused confusion inside the Azerbaijan box falling nicely to Stead, but his shot was deflected over the bar.

Things went a little sour on 77 minutes when a scuffle between Nigel Reo-Coker and Abdullayev resulted in the pair being sent off.

With the game in injury time, England had their best chance of the match, but were denied twice when first Stead hit the bar, then Johnson saw his effort cleared from the line. 

At the final whistle, the home side celebrated as they collected their first valuable point.  For Peter Taylor's side, they remain top of the group, but will see it as two points lost, rather than one point gained.

Team Details

England: Scott Carson, Nicky Hunt, Danny Harding, Glen Johnson, Calum Davenport (Matt Kilgallon), Gary O'Neill (c) (Stewart Downing), Jermaine Pennant, James Milner, Jonathan Stead, Nigel Reo-Coker, Peter Whittingham