England U20s made it three wins out of four this autumn as they cruised past Czech Republic at St George’s Park.
Keith Downing’s team, who won 5-1 in Italy last Thursday, found their shooting boots again in Burton and were more convincing than the scoreline suggested as they went three goals ahead within 36 minutes.
Leicester City defender Darnell Johnson opened the scoring in the 17th minute, when he headed in a corner from the influential Connor Mahoney, making his full debut for the U20s.
Mahoney was then fouled by David Brezina eight minutes later, allowing Stephy Mavididi to slot home his first goal of the afternoon from the penalty spot.
The result was then all but confirmed as Harvey Barnes flicked home Mahoney’s free-kick to put Downing’s men 3-0 up at the break.
England had four players in their squad who started in the U19 Euro semi-final victory over the Czechs in July on their way to winning the trophy in Georgia. The Czechs had seven, with four starting both games, but England confirmed their progress since the summer by the margin of this victory.
Arsenal striker Mavididi, currently on loan at Preston North End, rounded off the scoring when he converted at the near post from Callum Brittain’s right-wing cross 15 minutes from time.
Downing's squad will be back in action next month when they face Germany away on 14 November.
England (4-2-3-1): Nathan Trott (West Ham United); Ezri Konsa (Charlton Athletic), Darnell Johnson (Leicester City), Reece Oxford (West Ham United), Jay DaSilva (Charlton Athletic, loan from Chelsea); Harvey Barnes (Barnsley, loan from Leicester), Josh DaSilva (Arsenal); Connor Mahoney (AFC Bournemouth), Marcus Edwards (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Willock (Benfica); Stephy Mavididi (Preston North End, loan from Arsenal)
Substitutes: Tayo Edun (Fulham) for Edwards 60, Callum Brittain (MK Dons) for Oxford 60, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts (FC Twente, loan from Manchester City) for Willock 60, Sam Field (West Bromwich Albion) for DaSilva 75
Cautions: Brittain
Substitutes not used: Aaron Ramsdale (Bournemouth), Easah Suliman (Aston Villa), Lloyd Kelly (Bristol City), Ike Ugbo (Barnsley, loan from Chelsea)
Head coach: Keith Downing
Goals: Johnson 17, Mavididi pen 25, 75, Barnes 36
