It was an action-packed night at the speedway for the England Under-21s squad
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England’s Young Lions met the Kings Lynn Young Stars as Stuart Pearce’s Under-21 squad enjoyed some high-octane speedway action on Wednesday night.
While in Norwich ahead of their Euro 2013 play-off with Serbia on Friday, Pearce’s boys dropped into the Norfolk Arena as Kings Lynn went head to head with Rye House.
They were given vip treatment for the Anglian Junior League meeting between the two racing clubs’ Under-21s teams.
After meeting one of the riders in the pit-lane, Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell was impressed with his dedication to the sport.
He said: “I’ve never been to it before, so I don’t know what to expected.
“He’s only 20 years old, so not much younger than me. He’s riding for a living and was telling me about the injuries he’s had. He’s broken his leg, he’s broken his hand and they just get on with it basically.
“I believe they go faster than formula one cars at the start so it’ll be interesting to watch.”
And no sooner had the racing started than there was a hair-raising collision on only the second bend. Fortunately the riders walked away, but it was one of a number throughout the night.
Middlesbrough 'keeper Jason Steele enjoyed the evening away from the team hotel.
He said: “It’s all-action, isn’t it. Unfortunately one didn’t look too good and went away in an ambulance, so hopefully he’ll be alright.
“It’s got us out of the hotel for a couple of hours, a bit of fresh air. It’s something different, something new to take on board. Everyone’s really enjoying it.”
And before the team headed back to Norwich to finalise preparation for their own head-to-head with Serbia at Carrow Road on Friday, they had time to meet the locals and sign some autographs.
England Under-21s play their important home leg of the Euro 2013 play-off in Norwich on Friday 12 October (6pm KO). Tickets are available for just £10 adults and £5 for concessions online here
The second leg takes place on Tuesday 16 October (5pm KO BST/6pm Local) in Krusevac, Serbia