Ben Morris scored his first England U17s goal, assisted by Andre Dozzell, as the Young Lions beat holders France 2-0 in their second game at the European Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The French dominated the early stages and hit the bar but in the 15th minute Chelsea’s Mason Mount’s clever backheel sent Dozzell, who was playing behind lone striker Morris, away into the area on the left and the midfielder cut the ball across to his Town team-mate who turned home from four yards.
France continued to have most of the ball but were unable to create any significant chances and moments into the second half England went 2-0 in front from the penalty spot.
Dozzell played Reiss Nelson in on goal and French keeper Gaëtan Poussin felled the Arsenal youngster as he chipped the ball over him and was shown a straight red. Nelson confidently converted the penalty.
Morris, having battled well in the lone striker’s role and having taken his one chance, made way after 65 minutes with Sheffield Wednesday’s George Hirst, son of former Owl David, replacing the 16-year-old, who was winning his eighth U17s cap. England saw out the rest of the game comfortably.
Dozzell, picking up his 14th U17s cap, played a vital role in both goals as England climbed to second in the group. Blues keeper Nick Hayes was an unused sub and didn’t add to his three caps.
England face Denmark, who currently top the group having beaten Sweden 1-0 in today’s other match, in their final group fixture on Thursday.
Great 2-0 win tonight against France, buzzing to Score my first goal for England!!! https://t.co/dKfTVmC0pZ– Ben Morris (@BenMorris99) May 9, 2016
ðŸ"¸ The #YoungLions. #U17EURO pic.twitter.com/SRDIA74ulf– England (@england) May 9, 2016
England U17s: Thompson, Sterling, Feeney, Chalobah (c), Sessegnon, McGuane, Adeniran, Nelson (Bohui 74), Mount (Shashoua 80), Dozzell, Morris (Hirst 65). Unused: Hayes, Brown, Francis, T Bola.