England Under-21s got their Euro campaign up and running in Kielce, after a second-half comeback saw them beat Slovakia 2-1.
It was a tale of two halves for the Young Lions, who bounced back from a poor display in the opening period to score twice in 11 second-half minutes through Alfie Mawson and Nathan Redmond to seal the points.
They were made to work all the way for the victory against a Slovakia team backed by a vociferous support and a firm defensive base.
But Aidy Boothroyd’s side managed to pick their way through and survive a late onslaught to put themselves in a strong position in Group A ahead of the final match with Poland on Thursday.
It was a disappointing start to the game though, as England fell behind in sloppy style after 23 minutes when Martin Chrien found space in the box to guide a near-post header over Jordan Pickford and into the far corner from Stanislav Lobotka’s corner.
The Young Lions tried to respond, with Lewis Baker flashing a shot narrowly over the bar, but it was slim-pickings with the Slovakian rearguard proving physically strong and resolute with a lead to hang onto.
And they almost doubled their advantage before the break when Jaroslav Mihalik forced a save from Pickford with a rasping low drive.
James Ward-Prowse then saw a free-kick palmed over the bar by Adrian Chovan on the stroke of half time after England had looked to build some pressure before the break.
Boothroyd made one change at the break with Jacob Murphy replacing Mason Holgate at right-back and the Young Lions started on the front foot, with Redmond forcing a smart save from Chovan with a low shot inside the box.
And moments later, England drew level when Murphy’s cross from the right picked out Mawson in the box. His first effort was saved by Chovan, but the Swansea defender followed up to score from close range.
