VIDEO: It was my goal!
Jamie Bradbury
Thursday, 01 September, 2011
Jack Rodwell recalls his goal against Azerbaijan in 2009.
Tickets are still available from the Vicarage Road ticket office right up to kick off at just £10 for adults and £5 for children
Jack Rodwell is looking to get the new UEFA Under-21s Championship qualifying campaign off to a flying start against Azerbaijan on Thursday night and recalled his strike against the same opposition two years ago.
The Everton midfielder scored his first goal for England's Under-21s when they last played the Azeri in June 2009, and as sixth season of international football begins since his debut with the U16s, he plans to help the Three Lions claim a vital win in their first game on the road to Israel at Watford.
“It’s debatable that the goal was actually mine as it took a big deflection," admitted the 20-year-old in the official matchday programme. "But I claimed it and will always say it was my goal.
“It’s always nice to score, especially for your country. We won 7-0, but that result is now in the past and means nothing this time. They will have improved a lot I’m sure. We won’t be taking anything for granted and have to get the result.
“We want to settle down early and get off to a good start ahead of a busy schedule in the next couple of months. We want to make sure we hit the ground running.”
To watch highlights of the previous encounter between the nations in which England won 7-0 in Milton Keynes in June 2009, click on the link on the right of the page.
To follow England Under-21s in the build up to the game, and their fixture at Barnsley on 5 September, log on to TheFA.com, follow at www.twitter.com/thefadotcom or like at www.facebook.com/EnglandU21s