Montenegro

0-3

England 

 

Nedum Onuoha 6, Gabriel Agbonlahor 10, Andrew Surman 90 


2009 UEFA European Championship Group 3 Qualifier 
Friday 7 September 2007
City Stadium, Podgorica

England Under-21s Coach Stuart Pearce was pleased with his team's 3-0 victory in Montenegro and praised their workmanlike performance.

Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha opened the scoring with his first Under-21s goal heading in from close range, then Gabriel Agbonlahor added a second soon after.

Andrew Surman came off the bench for his debut and tapped home in stoppage time after Dexter Blackstock headed in his path sealing a comfortable victory. Pearce says that Montenegro, who won their opening group game against Bulgaria in June, will be tricky customers for their other rivals.

"It was a good workmanlike performance, we're delighted with the result," said Pearce. "Montenegro will cause people problems in the group, that's for sure."

The former England defender believes his side are already maturing after playing in front of a feisty home crowd and with a trip to Bulgaria on Tuesday next on the agenda, they will be even more prepared.

"It was a difficult place to come to," he added. "It was a passionate crowd who care about their football.

"The more my players play together in different conditions, the better they will get.

"We've done half a job, we go to Bulgaria and that is all we are focused on."

Pearce also hailed the cutting edge of Gabriel Agbonlahor after his striker led the way with their second goal.

"We always feel we have enough in the front four, with their pace, and Gabby is a real handful," said Pearce.

"He gives us that cutting edge that we have."