John Swift delighted to get off the mark for England

Monday 30 Mar 2015
John Swift in action for England Under-20s

John Swift expressed his delight after he netted his first goal in an England shirt, as the Under-20s beat USA in Plymouth.

The Chelsea midfielder, who is currently on loan at Swindon Town, had featured for England development teams on 26 previous occasions.

He made his debut for the Under-16s in October 2010.

England 2-1 USA

U20s International
Sunday 29 March
Home Park, Plymouth
Full match report

Despite being a regular scorer for Chelsea at various youth levels – where he has netted 24 times in 105 appearances – he had yet to break his duck on the international scene, until Sunday.

“After a few years playing for the teams it was my first for England, so it was a great feeling to see it fly in,” Swift said after the 2-1 win.

“It’s a moment I’m going to remember for the rest of my career. 

Highlights: England U20s 2-1 USA

“As we celebrated and all the boys came over and said congratulations.”

Although taking time to open his account in front of goal, Swift has enjoyed a positive youth career with England.

In 17 appearances at U19s and U20s level, he is yet to taste defeat – and has been on the winning side in 12 of those outings.

The latest victory, in which the Portsmouth-born youngster played a starring role, is one he says he will savour.

john-swift-england-usa-plymouth

John Swift scores his first goal in an England shirt

As well as scoring the first, he was instrumental in the second as he crossed for Derby County forward Kwame Thomas to steer home.

“It was great to play a part in the second goal as well,” he added. 

“I got to the line and pulled it back to Kwame. 

“Their support was fantastic and I’m delighted we managed to get the win to send them home happy”

John Swift on the fans at Home Park

“I think his shot has gone through a couple of players’ legs, but as a striker you sometimes get that slice of luck.”

Despite strong winds and heavy rainfall leading up to the game – England’s first in Plymouth for 26 years – it was played in front of an impressive crowd of more than 11,000.

And Swift ended by thanking the vast numbers that had made the effort to come to Home Park and cheer on the Young Lions.

He said: “The fans were great and to see so many there when the weather was so bad shows how much they love their football down here. 

“It was really enjoyable to play in front of them, their support was fantastic and I’m delighted we managed to get the win to send them home happy.”

By Jamie Reid Senior Writer