England 1-1 Romania

Nationwide Under-21 International Friendly
7.45pm, Tuesday 21 August 2007
Bristol City FC, Ashton Gate

Stuart Pearce’s new era couldn’t have got off to a better start as Matt Derbyshire fired England in front after just seven minutes at Ashton Gate last night.

However, England’s new full time Under-21 Coach was left disappointed as a stroke of Romanian luck robbed him of a morale boosting win.

Derbyshire produced a smooth finish staying alert when Gabriel Agbonlahor’s mis-hit shot ran across the six yard box.

Man-of-the-match Agbonlahor caused Romania all sorts of problems with his running as he struck up an instant partnership with Derbyshire. They showed good signs ahead of the six qualifying games that England face before the end of November.

And there was further good news for Pearce as Arsenal’s Theo Walcott gave a reminder of why he was taken to the 2006 World Cup.

Walcott’s running terrified the Romanian defence, and forced the Norwegian referee to show three yellow cards before half time for fouls on the Gunners’ star.

England had chances to increase their lead with West Ham’s Mark Noble dominating the midfield – but instead found themselves back on level terms after 25 minutes.

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has had an unlucky start to the season – he would have been in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s starting team but for a dislocated finger that gave Kasper Schmeichel his chance.

After a handball on the edge of the area from England's captain Nedum Onuoha, Hart found himself beaten by a free kick from Romania’s centre forward Bogdan Stancu which cannoned off the cross bar and hit his back before rolling across the line to be recorded as an own goal.

In the second half, Ben Alnwick was given a chance to impress Pearce in place of Hart. The Spurs man has been a part of the Under-21s set-up for a full year, but it was tonight he made his long-awaited debut and immediately produced a good save to keep out Gabriel Torje.

Romania were reduced to ten men with 19 minutes left when central defender Cristian Scutaru received a second yellow card for fouls on Agbonlahor.

But England couldn’t find a way to take advantage of their extra man, with Middlesbrough’s David Wheater and Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha both firing good chances high over.

England
Joe Hart (Ben Alnwick, 46), Craig Gardner (Michael Mancienne, 46), Nedum Onuoha (c), David Wheater, Martin Cranie, Michael Kightly (Adam Johnson, 46), Michael Johnson (Tom Huddlestone, 65), Mark Noble (Fabrice Muamba, 65), Theo Walcott, Matt Derbyshire (James Milner, 78), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Luke Moore, 78)
Sub not used: Dexter Blackstock

Goals: Derbyshire 8

Booked: Nedum Onuoha, Mark Noble

Romania
C Tatarusanu, A Tudose, C Scutaru, S Mardare, L Sepsi - G Torje, E Bicfalvi (V Pacuraru, 87), A Ropotan (I Larie, 90), C Deac, B Stancu (R Ochirosii, 84), C Palimaru (L Ganea, 46)
Subs not used: C Lungu, C Tanase, S Homei.

Goals: Hart (og) 25

Booked: Stancu, Ropotan, Tudose, Scutaru.
Sent off: Scutaru.