x

Debut goal for Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala as hosts ease to victory

The Bayern Munich midfielder announced himself with a goal on an impressive night at Molineux.

Eddie Nketiah scored twice in the second half and also missed a late penalty after Callum Hudson-Odoi and James Justin put England in charge.

The Young Lions finish their Euro 2021 campaign unbeaten and top of Group Three, winning nine and drawing one.

They await next month’s group stage draw ahead of the first part of the tournament in March with the knockout phase held in May and June.

READ ALSO: Spain crushes Germany 6-0 to reach UEFA Nations League final four

Boothroyd knows at least 15 of the players who, in an ideal world, he will take to Hungary and Slovenia and Musiala, who made his debut against Andorra on Friday, will surely join them.

The 17-yer-old, born in Stuttgart, has been involved in an international tug-of-war with Germany but appears to be focused on England and they have another gem.

He was too good for wretched Albania who had a slim chance of qualifying as one of the five best runners-up but those hopes were virtually ended after just four minutes.

Lloyd Kelly, on the edge of his own box, curled a fine pass to Hudson-Odoi on the left and the Chelsea forward advanced unopposed. He cut inside and, despite his shot lacking serious power, Marco Molla let the ball slip through his fingers.

More sloppy defending allowed Nketiah a couple of openings but England did not need to wait long for a second. Debutant Lee Buchanan skipped down the left, his cross was missed by Elion Sota and Justin’s classy finish doubled the lead after 26 minutes.

Albania, who finish third in Group Three, were poor and any rare attack failed to trouble the hosts, who made it 3-0 nine minutes before the break. Musiala had already outlined his class by breezing past his opponents and, this time, he sliced through Albania by swapping passes with Oliver Skipp to go clean through and beat Molla.

Arsenal’s Nketiah was denied a fourth by an offside call as England outgunned the visitors.

Josef Bursik did need to save Albion Marku’s deflected effort but the Young Lions made it 4-0 seven minutes after the break.

Angelo Ndrecka made a mess of trying to clear Hudson-Odoi’s cross and record scorer Nketiah pounced to fire in his 15th goal for the U21s through Molla’s legs.

Curtis Jones missed the chance to add a fifth when he headed over from six yards and Nketiah should have wrapped up the scoring with 10 minutes left.

He was clattered by Molla in the box yet the goalkeeper guessed correctly to parry the striker’s penalty.

But Nketiah did get his second four minutes from time when he cut in from the left and found the bottom corner.

Hot this week

KADMAM Advocates Improved Maternal Health, Declares “No Child Should Die at Birth”

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Co-chairman of the Kaduna Maternal...

FG Targets Speedy Trials, Plans Decongestion of Correctional Centres

By Francis WilfredThe Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,...

Notorious Armed Assassin Shot Dead In Benue State

By Isaac Kertyo, MakurdiA notorious armed Assassin, Mr...

2026 Hajj: FCT Pilgrims to Enjoy Seamless Exercise, MPWB Vows

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board...

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Salutes Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, at 91

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman...

Kogi State Polytechnic Urges Prosecution of Staff Over Alleged Salary Fraud

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Management of Kogi State Polytechnic,...

North Central Development Commission Condoles with Senator Abba Moro Over Death of Son, Grandson

By Abel Zwanke, LafiaThe Managing Director and Chief Executive...

Outcry as WhatsApp Bans Nigerian Journalist’s MTN Line Without Warning or Clear Reason

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThere has been widespread outrage following...

KOSIEC Announces 2026 Local Government Council Elections in Kogi State

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission...

KADMAM Advocates Improved Maternal Health, Declares “No Child Should Die at Birth”

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Co-chairman of the Kaduna Maternal...

Evaluation of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy in the Contemporary Era

By Daudu Agaba Andrew SamuelNigeria’s foreign policy has long...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img