Ethan Nwaneri and Jobe Bellingham scored as Lee Carsley’s new-look England Below-21s squad laid down an early marker of their Euro 2027 qualifying marketing campaign with a 2-0 win in Kazakhstan.
The Younger Lions – who had efficiently defended their Euros title in Slovakia earlier this summer time – struck twice in 5 minutes in the course of the first half via Nwaneri and the youthful Bellingham brother.
Simply two gamers from Carsley’s beginning XI for the extra-time win over Germany within the Euro 2025 last had been named in Monday’s group – goalkeeper James Beadle and Jack Hinshelwood.
Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong and ahead Divin Mubama, on mortgage at Stoke from Manchester Metropolis, had been handed their debuts whereas Bellingham – who was away on the Membership World Cup with Borussia Dortmund in the course of the summer time – took on the captaincy.
England made a brilliant begin as Brooke Norton-Cuffy, who had come off the bench within the last, despatched in a low cross from the correct, which Mubama may solely stab straight on the Kazakhstan keeper.
After Beadle made a simple save from Ayan Baidavletov, England went forward within the 18th minute.
Mubama knocked down a excessive ball into the penalty space and Arsenal midfielder Nwaneri – one other of Carsley’s profitable summer time squad – drilled in a low shot from the sting of the field. England struck once more 5 minutes later when Bellingham bought as much as head in from Tyler Dibling’s nook.
Nwaneri went near a 3rd simply earlier than half-time when his 20-yard free-kick was palmed away by Kazakhstan keeper Dulat Talyspayev.
Kazakhstan pressed in the beginning of the second half, with Ramazan Bagdat forcing Beadle into a wise response save. Carsley despatched on Crystal Palace ahead Romain Esse for his Below-21s debut simply after the hour, changing Dibling.
Astana midfielder Nurali Zhaksylyk curled a late effort simply extensive for the hosts as England closed out a stable efficiency.
England subsequent face a visit to Moldova in October’s internationals earlier than internet hosting Andorra at Derby.
