06 October 2006
VIDEO: Leighton Baines v Germany
Wigan defender Leighton Baines scores a screamer to give England a 1-0 first leg win over Germany.

Germany

(0) 0-2 (1)

England

 

 

Walcott 84, 90

England win 3-0 on aggregate

UEFA European U21 Championship Play-Off second leg
Tuesday 10 October 2006
BayerArena, Bayer 04 Leverkusen 

Leighton Baines has backed his England Under-21 team mate Theo Walcott after his two goals in Germany confirmed the Three Lions' place in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Baines' 30-yard belter in the first leg on Friday night had given Peter Taylor's men a 1-0 advantage to take with them to Leverkusen.

With the scores still 0-0 with 15 minutes to go, Taylor introduced the 17-year-old Arsenal forward and his pace caught the Germans out.

It was a diagonal through ball from Baines which set Walcott off on a run with six minutes remaining to put England in front on the night, before he clinched a 2-0 win with a "Thierry Henry-style" finish on the run in stoppage time.

"There is no doubting Theo's ability and he has so much potential," said Baines. "He can unlock defences and his pace scares defences to death. He showed that in Germany and finished with the head of a 30-year-old.

"His finish for the second goal was the type Thierry has put away time and time again. Training with him every day can only improve him.

"Theo is just one of a number of brilliant skilful players we have in this squad and I am sure we can do great things in Holland."

The Wigan Athletic defender, who has played every minute for the Under-21s this season and has the most assists - three, says qualifying for the UEFA Championship on Tuesday was a very special night.

"I've been involved in promotions and playing in the Carling Cup final was great, but Tuesday night was one of the best moments in my career."

The eight teams who have qualified for the Finals - England, hosts Holland, Serbia, Czech Republic, Portugal, Italy, Belgium and Israel - will go into the draw at Arnhem's City Hall on 24 November.