Czechia U21 1–3 England U21 Player Ratings: Defending Champions England Off to a Flyer Against Czechia in the Euro U21

Defending champions England U21 make a merry start to life at UEFA Euro U21 with a comfortable 3-1 victory against Czechia U21. Harvey Elliott opened the scoring towards the end of the first half. Jonathan Rowe added a second early on. Czechia showed some resistance by cutting the lead through Daniel Fila. However, England sealed the three points as Charlie Cresswell headed home in the 78th minute.

Czechia started the game positively with an early shot on goal. The young lions grew into the game and called shots. It was an open contest as both sides enjoyed good chances. Elliott broke the deadlock in the 39th minute as James McAtee kept the ball in for him to blast home past the keeper. Czechia went into the tunnel with their heads down.

They had an even more demoralising start to the second half as Rowe got a faint touch to divert the ball into the net as the clumsy goalkeeper failed to sort his hands. There was a glimmer of hope as Fila headed a delicious cross past the keeper as momentum changed. But England did well to seize control. They made sure they got all three points when Cresswell shrugged off opposition defenders to bank the ball in the net after Alex Scott found him from a corner. Here are the Czechia U21 National Football Team vs England U21 National Football Team Player Ratings.

Czechia U21 National Football Team Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Lukas Hornicek-4/10

The goalkeeper was shaky all game long as he failed to cover the near post for his first goal. The second goal was even poorer as the ball squirmed through his hands.

Defenders

Stepan Chaloupek-5/10

Failed to defend his box with confidence as Livramento caused him multiple problems. He was twisted and turned too easily.

Filip Presbl-5/10

Couldn't hold down Rowe properly as he got to the goalside and finished well. He was a bit susceptible to the ball as well.

Karel Spacil-5.5/10

He should've opened the scoring in the first half with a great chance. Struggled with Elliott and McAtee interchanging at will.

Midfielders

Matej Hadas-6/10

Screened the defence and made a couple of good blocks. Failed to produce in attack as England's left side completely overwhelmed him.

Vojtech Stransky-6/10

Had a shot in the first minute of the game and could've easily opened the scoring for them. Played more defensively later on as he kept on committing fouls.

Patrik Vydra-6/10

Got forward and had a couple of pops, but they were well blocked by the opposition. Kept chipping the ball away for his side.

Martin Suchomel-6/10

He did well to fall back and help his centreback defend England's double trouble on the right. He couldn't contribute much in attack as Archie Gray did well against him.

Forwards

Krystof Danek-7/10

The most creative player on the pitch as he played in the hole. Slid in through balls and fired crosses for his attackers. His set pieces caused great trouble as well.

Daniel Fila-7.5/10

Kept causing trouble all game long and took his chance excellently with a brilliant header. He was taken off early as his side chased the goal.

Vaclav Sejk-7/10

Showed great link-up with fellow forwards. The cross for the first goal was a winger's dream as he got the curve perfectly and put it on a teammate's head.

Substitutes

Adam Karabaec-6/10

Alexandr Sojka-6/10

Filip Vecheta-6/10

Josef Kozeluh-6/10

Ondrej Kricfalusi-6/10

Manager

Jan Suchoparek-5/10

They started the game well but weren't able to make it count. England's greater attacking threat shone in the game as they only got a consolation goal.

England U21 National Football Team Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

James Beadle-6.5/10

Produced a stunning save in the first half and made sure that the ball didn't cross the line. However, he was well beaten by a header in the second half.

Defenders

Archie Gray-6.5/10

Archie Gray had an attacking edge as he intercepted a few passes and dribbled into the opposing half, trying to create some chances.

Jarell Quansah-6.5/10

He was lost in the box as he ended up marking no one for Czechia's first goal. Was well involved in build-up play.

Charlie Cresswell-7.5/10

Failed to close down Sejk as he launched the cross for the first goal. Found his goal with a fantastic header to seal the result for his side.

Valentino Livramento-7.5/10

Made the second goal with a fine cross and was causing trouble all game long with fine runs. He was lacking defensively at times as he left the forwards unmarked.

Midfielders

Alex Scott-7/10

Made a few simple passes and helped his side win the ball back. Picked up an assist with a well-floated corner.

Elliot Anderson-7.5/10

Elliot picked up a yellow card in the first minute of the game and had to walk a tightrope. He kept his discipline and produced a highly energetic display on both ends of the pitch.

Forwards

Harvey Elliott-8/10

He finished with aplomb to open the scoring from a tight angle. Display a few nice touches and linkups with James McAtee, and helped his side defensively as well.

James McAtee-7.5/10

Showed great intelligence to keep the ball in play for their first goal. He was too desperate to get a goal as he kept trying multiple times.

Omari Hutchinson-6.5/10

Omari Hutchinson was driving at the opponents at every chance he got in a bid to create openings. Played well with Livramento to exploit Czechia's right wing.

Jonathan Rowe-7.5/10

Got the slightest of touches to divert Livramento's cross home. He was running into defenders and pinned them down with his pace and power.

Substitutes

Ethan Nwaneri-6/10

Jay Stansfield-6/10

Sameul Iling-Junior-6/10

Hayden Hackney-6/10

Tyler Morton-6/10

Manager

Lee Carsley-8/10

His side dominated the first half but only took the lead late in the half. A quick start to the second half was met with some resistance. But the manager tweaked well enough to make sure his side got the result.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match: Harvey Elliott