England Under-21s secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Andorra to get back to winning ways in European Championship qualification, as Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe scored after Rhian Brewster was sent off
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Rhian Brewster was sent off, as Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe rescued a win as England’ s kids struggled.
The Arsenal attacker netted his first goal for the U21s finishing a lightning counter track, and pinpoint pass, by Liverpool ’s Curtis Jones.
It was a slog for England as Sheffield United striker Brewster was dismissed after 56 minutes following a clash with defender Eric Vales in this Euros qualifier.
Brewster left the pitch furious and finger pointing at ref Igor Stojchevski.
He ruled Brewster had elbowed Vales as he tried to shield the ball, but it hardly even appeared to be a foul.
The 21-year-old was shown a second yellow card, after being booked in the first half for a late boot on Alex Alonso.
He was defended by U21 boss Lee Carsley who said: “We didn’t make it easy for ourselves with Rhian getting sent off.
“It was a harsh red card, it was innocuous. Rhian has to learn from it.
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Image:
The FA via Getty Images)
“Once you have a yellow card you are on the edge. It is ironic I was about to bring him off. Maybe I should have done it earlier.
“We are here to support him. He will be in the next squad and play in the friendly. We believe in him and he will score goals.
“We knew they would be stubborn to break down. It was a great finish by Emile and excellent play, and timing, from Curtis.
“They showed good spirit. They are still finding their partnerships. We have to beat Czech Republic and Georgia now. I want the lads to enjoy coming away with us.
“We had 80% possession, 15 shots and they did not have a shot and we could have ended up drawing it 0-0.”
The Young Lions struggled to break down a resilient, packed Andorra defence.
A year ago, the U21s were embarrassed after twice going ahead but only drawing 3-3 on the same pitch.
Despite having the talents of Smith Rowe and Man City kid Cole Palmer alongside £23m Brewster up front, England couldn’t score in the first half, and laboured for the breakthrough.
Pick of the bunch was tricky Palmer who did well wide on the right, and Smith Rowe took his chance, with only the keeper to beat, very well.
Carsley added: “We’ve had a good start to the campaign. I want to be really attacking as a coach. All of the players have shown a commitment to improve and forge a good atmosphere.”
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