McAtee and Doyle goals help England secure U21 Euros spot on busy night of international action | OneFootball

McAtee and Doyle goals help England secure U21 Euros spot on busy night of international action | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Manchester City F.C.

Manchester City F.C.

·15 October 2024

McAtee and Doyle goals help England secure U21 Euros spot on busy night of international action

Article image:McAtee and Doyle goals help England secure U21 Euros spot on busy night of international action

Callum Doyle and James McAtee were both on target as England qualified for the 2025 UEFA U21 Championships with a 7-0 win over Azerbaijan.

The Young Lions needed to pick up three points and hope Ukraine failed to beat Serbia to clinch top spot and automatically progress to next summer’s tournament.


OneFootball Videos


Doyle, on loan at Championship highflyers Norwich, headed home the Young Lions’ second at Ashton Gate after ghosting in at the far post from a free-kick.

Article image:McAtee and Doyle goals help England secure U21 Euros spot on busy night of international action

McAtee, who grabbed a thrilling late brace in England’s win over Ukraine on Friday evening, then made it three ten minutes into the second half with another header.

Further goals from Charlie Cresswell, Elliot Anderson, Dane Scarlett, Omari Hutchinson and an Azerbaijan own goal saw the Young Lions cruise to victory.

That result, coupled with Ukraine’s 1-0 loss to Serbia, was enough to see Doyle, McAtee and co. clinch first place in their final fixture, and a subsequent spot in Slovakia next summer.

Elsewhere, City’s Portuguese and Croatian contingent remain neck and neck at the top of UEFA Nations League A Group 1.

Article image:McAtee and Doyle goals help England secure U21 Euros spot on busy night of international action

Josko Gvardiol started in a back three for Croatia in a thrilling clash against Poland, with the visitors 3-2 ahead at the break.

However, Sebastian Szymanski’s effort with 20 to play meant it was honours even in Warsaw.

Croatia were even reduced to 10 when goalkeeper Dominik Livakovis was sent off with 15 to play, but held on for the draw.

Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva also had to settle for a point as Portugal were held to a goalless draw against Scotland.

Dias featured for the full 90 minutes at Hampden Park while Bernardo was introduced as a second half substitute, but the visitors couldn't break down their stubborn opponents.

Article image:McAtee and Doyle goals help England secure U21 Euros spot on busy night of international action

Portugal remain top with ten points from a possible 12, with Croatia one place and three points behind ahead of their showdown in November.

Manuel Akanji’s Switzerland, meanwhile, were denied a first win of this year’s Nations League after twice being pegged back by Denmark in League A Group 4.

The City defender started at centre-half for his nation, with goals from Remo Freuler and Zeki Amdouni seeing the Swiss take in a 2-1 lead at half-time.

But Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen’s 69th-minute effort keeps them rooted to the foot of the table ahead of their final two fixtures next month against Serbia and Spain.

View publisher imprint