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Calvert-Lewin on target for England U20s
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was on target as Everton's youngsters were instrumental in England Under-20s' 3-0 World Cup win over Argentina.
The Toffees forward put the Young Lions ahead just before the break after heading home a precise inswinging cross by clubmate Kieran Dowell, as England got their Under-20s World Cup campaign off to a winning start in South Korea.
Calvert-Lewin and Dowell were joined in the starting XI by Blues defenders Jonjoe Kenny and Callum Connolly, with Ademola Lookman named on the bench.
England wrapped up the points after the break thanks to goals from Newcastle's Adam Armstrong - with Dowell again the provider - and Chelsea's Dom Solanke, while Argentina had Lisandro Martinez sent off in the second half.
The Young Lions play their second Group A match on Tuesday against Guinea, before taking on hosts South Korea three days later.
Reader Comments (29)
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2 Posted 20/05/2017 at 09:26:33
3 Posted 20/05/2017 at 09:39:46
4 Posted 20/05/2017 at 09:44:40
5 Posted 20/05/2017 at 10:26:15
6 Posted 20/05/2017 at 10:27:23
7 Posted 20/05/2017 at 13:00:16
Quality cross and finish by the Everton boys for the first.
8 Posted 20/05/2017 at 13:45:46
How are the Argentina U20s rated?
9 Posted 20/05/2017 at 14:34:55
The cross from Dowell for the first goal was a peach of a cross, also his flick through ball for the second.
All-in-all, the Everton lads played well today.
10 Posted 20/05/2017 at 14:45:21
11 Posted 20/05/2017 at 14:58:59
12 Posted 20/05/2017 at 16:07:17
13 Posted 20/05/2017 at 19:09:51
Lookman was an unused sub but the manager says he will be rotating to keep the players fresh.
I'm not familiar with the Argentine players but they dominated possession, England just dominated at the back and up front. A very, very good result and alarmingly the first win for the U20s at a World Cup in 20 years.
14 Posted 20/05/2017 at 19:45:19
Argentina actually JUST squeezed in from the South American qualifying group in 4th place for the finals proper. Brazil didn't even qualify.
Uruguay is the pick of the South American teams at U20 to look out for.
And I had to look up who the England manager was, as one short glimpse I saw it looked like a real throw-back to one of the great managerial failures, Stuart Pearce. I see it's Aidy Boothroyd who a few years back great things were expected from, but never happened.
15 Posted 20/05/2017 at 19:52:54
England were strong at the back and had pace up front in Calvert-Lewin, Solanki and Armstrong, and hit Argentina on the break. But Argentina had the more gifted players, the first touch of all their players was top class, were very often our players first touch was nowhere near as good as theirs.
For me Kenny was Englands stand out performer both defensively and offensively. Not sure who the co-commentator was but he also picked Kenny as Englands best player.
Calvert-Lewin scored a very good headed goal to open the scoring, and was brought down by the keeper to win a penalty that led to England's 3rd goal. All the Everton boys did well, and it bears well for our club for the future.
16 Posted 20/05/2017 at 20:24:35
He commented after the game on England's recent history of abject failure at the tournament that the main difference this year was the quality of player. Given that 4 of our lads started, that is a source of pride.
It is also true, Kenny in particular already has an international medal under his belt (I assume that is where they are kept) for England U16s. As Brian said, bodes well for our future, would love to see them kick on next season.
17 Posted 20/05/2017 at 20:55:37
Jonjoe we know is going to be involved with the first team next season, quite a lot I hope.
How did Dowell play over the full game? I always expect something from him when he gets the ball, he is very good with it; goes missing for long spells, definitely got loads of talent, but will not make it on talent alone.
Not knocking him, I just want him more involved. Here's to Tuesday and the next game.
18 Posted 20/05/2017 at 21:31:07
Dowell is an enigma. I think he has great talent and, 2 years ago, I thought he was going to be a real asset for us but, as you say, he seems to fade out and lacks the final hard edge. I live in hope, though, because he has obvious natural flair. I always think there's a bit of Sheedy about him.
I like Kenny very much and he looks a real option for us but what happens with Holgate and Coleman ahead of him (though I would play Kenny before Holgate at right back)? I wouldn't be surprised if an astute Premier League side in mid to lower table made a bid for him.
Connolly was okay but I don't see him making it at top level, sadly.
19 Posted 20/05/2017 at 22:00:02
Maybe a loan spell at a Championship team will toughen him up, something I hope doesn't happen to Jonjoe Kenny. He can keep the No 2 spot until Seamus comes back. Knowing Jonjoe, Seamus will have to fight for his place back, that is if Koeman gives Kenny the chance to prove himself.
Holgate is a centre back and hopefully also gets a chance to play there.
There are some good players coming through and we will see how they progress next season. I still think Liam Walsh will be a good player to watch, again if he gets a chance.
20 Posted 20/05/2017 at 22:18:53
I know you rate Joe Williams and I see why from his performance against Liverpool for the Under-23s, but I must say he seems to me to lack a crucial yard or so of pace.
The one who really interested me was Baningime. His centre of gravity, his calmness and timing, a slight touch of arrogance – hugely promising... but I have to admit I've only seen him in that one game. If he can do that in front of a biggish crowd, though, he can presumably do it at first team level. I'm very surprised we haven't heard more of him. He just looks the proper deal to me.
21 Posted 20/05/2017 at 23:23:40
See comment 7 !
Link
22 Posted 21/05/2017 at 03:22:26
23 Posted 21/05/2017 at 09:16:55
I saw him in his first season as a youth player forced to go off with an injury, he was banging his fist on the floor with frustration at the thought of going off.
As you say so cool and calm, very rarely wastes a ball, he is definitely one to look out for in the future.
24 Posted 21/05/2017 at 10:20:02
However, his recent performances at that level have shown he has found his voice and he can keep the ball, pass to runners, and control the game.
25 Posted 21/05/2017 at 10:53:31
Our coaching systems need to put ball control and passing ability top priorities. These are basic skills and should be mastered by every top professional or aspiring youngster.
26 Posted 21/05/2017 at 10:55:29
Jonjoe was excellent at right back. The other Everton lads played well also.
The manager I believe is Paul Simpson, not Aidey Boothroyd. Thankfully, don't know he ever got involved with the England set up, shocking manager. Another Yes-man no doubt.
The commentator who picked Jonjoe out for Man of the Match was Stuart Robson. Ex-Arsenal player back in the day.
27 Posted 21/05/2017 at 13:48:59
28 Posted 21/05/2017 at 13:54:34
After that, we switch to Eurosport 2 for England's game on Friday 11:45 am til 2 pm v South Korea.
Both games live.
29 Posted 21/05/2017 at 14:02:24
I agree on Kenny. He reminds me a bit of Gary Neville. Overall the team performance was pretty poor despite the score. Dowell's assist was world class but he didn't really participate in the general game. So he seems like a luxury player who you have to carry.
Connolly did well. Argentina were probing his side early on without much joy. Calvert-Lewin brilliant goal but largely a peripheral figure.
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1 Posted 20/05/2017 at 09:20:46