England Underneath-21s’ hopes of qualifying routinely for subsequent yr’s European Championship finals suffered a serious blow as they have been held to a goalless draw by Northern Eire.
Ben Futcher took cost of his first sport after Lee Carsley moved as much as the senior squad however issues didn’t go to plan in Ballymena because the hosts dug in.
Reigning champions England have been already taking part in catch-up after dropping to Ukraine earlier within the qualifying marketing campaign and should now need to accept a play-off spot.
Futcher was pressured to make adjustments after dropping various his preliminary squad – together with Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace – and England struggled to interrupt down a packed Northern Eire defence.
Manchester Metropolis’s James McAtee, the standout expertise on present, pressured Pierce Charles into a primary save after 25 minutes with a sensible flip and shot that took a deflection.
Charles was then out effectively to disclaim Jonathan Rowe after he was performed in by Elliot Anderson, whereas there was an extended stoppage for remedy to England goalkeeper James Trafford following a late problem from JJ McKiernan.
Trafford was capable of proceed however the frustration continued for the guests, with Morgan Rogers heading over from a free-kick.
McAtee started the second half by drawing one other save out of Charles at his close to submit, nevertheless, clear-cut probabilities have been few and much between and the hosts started to look extra of a menace.
Substitute Makenzie Kirk shot over within the 76th minute and, after Charles produced one other effective save to disclaim Anderson, Justin Devenny almost gained it for Northern Eire with a spectacular long-range volley that flew simply over the crossbar.
England will host Austria in a pleasant at Kenilworth Street on Monday, whereas Northern Eire play Ukraine on Tuesday.
