A superb header from Dominic Solanke helped England U21s beat Ukraine 2-1 to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the UEFA European U21 Championships in 2019.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, on his return to Bramall Lane, opened the scoring for the Young Lions before Mykola Shaparenko equalised with seven minutes to play.
But substitute Solanke had the final word, meeting Ben Chilwell’s cross in dominant fashion with two minutes to spare to open up a five-point gap at the top of their qualifying group.
After beating Romania in the Cyrille Regis International at the weekend, Ady Boothroyd’s side turned their focus to qualifying for the 2019 Euros in Italy.James Maddison was a shining light throughout the contest and his tantalising set-piece found Calvert-Lewin early on but the former Sheffield United player could not steer home.
Ukraine were giving England problems with their high press and almost found their reward as Josh Onomah gave the ball away in his own penalty box but the away side failed to capitalise.
Nevertheless, Boothryd’s men recovered and found the opening goal and it was Maddison and Calvert-Lewin linking up once again.
The Norwich attacker was given time and space and his sumptuous through pass found the rampaging Calvert-Lewin who was able to hold off his defender and dink his shot past the onrushing Andriy Lunin in the Ukrainian net.
Maddison continued to be England’s greatest threat and his superb second-half free-kick found Joe Worrall but the defender mistimed his run and his effort was ruled offside.
Ukraine continued to be a threat and almost found the equaliser in the 63rd minute.
Maxim Luniv found time and space in the box and his thunderous effort flashed past Angus Gunn but Jonjoe Kenny managed to brilliantly head the ball off the line.
England could have sealed the tie moments later after good play from Onomah to nick the ball back and play in Maddison but his curling effort was just over the crossbar.
The visitors remained positive throughout the contest and got their equaliser in the 83rd minute, substitute Shaparenko ghosting into the box to bullet home his head beyond the diving Gunn.
But the goal only acted as a wake-up call to Boothroyd’s young charges and five minutes later, they had the winner.
Good work from Chilwell down the left saw the Leicester full-back stand his cross up beautifully for the unmarked Solanke, who was able to power the ball into the bottom corner.
The result leaves England in control of group four with four games remaining and next face the Netherlands at home on 6 September.
England Under 21s: 1 Angus Gunn (Norwich, loan from Manchester City), 2 Jonjoe Kenny (Everton), 3 Ben Chilwell (Leicester), 5 Dael Fry (Middlesbrough), 6 Joe Worrall (Nottingham Forest), 4 Tom Davies (Everton), 8 Josh Onomah (Tottenham), 7 Demarai Gray (Leicester), 10 James Maddison (Norwich), 11 Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham), 9 Dominic Calvert-Lewis (Everton)
Substitutes: 18 Ademola Lookman (RB Leipzig, loan from Everton) for Gray 73, 20 Dominic Solanke (Liverpool) for Maddison 77, 19 Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Arsenal) for Calvert-Lewin 90.
Substitutes not used: 13 Freddie Woodman (Aberdeen, loan from Newcastle), 12 Tammy Abraham (Swansea, loan from Chelsea), 15 Jake Clarke-Salter (Sunderland, loan from Chelsea)
Head coach: Aidy Boothroyd
Goals: Dominic Calvert-Lewin 41, Mykola Shaparenko 83, Dominic Solanke 88
