England shit on Spain! So fuck off critics!

[Lennon Saviour of E]

Jumping Jack flash
By Stuart Mawhinney at Wembley. Saturday, 28 April 2007.

England
1-0
Spain

Rodwell 52
England U16s v Spain
International U16 Friendly
3pm, Saturday 28 April 2007
Wembley Stadium

Everton's Jack Rodwell scored the only goal of the game to give England a tremendous victory over Spain at Wembley, in front a fantastic crowd of 28,210.

On a beautiful summer's day, Kenny Swain's side performed strongly throughout the encounter and scored a deserved win over one of the highest rated teams in world football at this age group.

Controlling posession and dominating the chances, England performed extremely well in the second match at Wembley Stadium. Though all the players will take incredible memories from the day, Rodwell will certainly remember his first match in the new stadium.

England almost took the lead in the first 60 seconds when Harry Forrester ran clear on the right flank and lifted a dangerous cross towards the Spanish area. The ball was delivered with pace and power but Benitez in the Spain goal was able to fist the ball clear.

Six minutes later there was a show of class from one of Spain's highly rated youngsters as Daniel Lobato struck from distance but Wesley Foderingham was able to hold the ball comfortably.

Another of the Barcelona contingent showed skill just moments later when Thiago dribbled through the area and looked like opening the scoring, but was denied by the composed defending of Thomas Cruise.

It was a hot afternoon at Wembley and the heat took out some of the pace of the game, but there were flashes of brilliance from the players as they rose to the occasion of playing on the famous hallowed turf in front of a fantastic crowd.

Matty James, who impressed during the Montaigu Tournament, hit the bar with a close range header on the half hour mark. Ben Gordon sped down the left flank and put in a testing cross that James rose to meet. Benitez was pleased though to see the ball cannon back off the cross bar and the scores remained level.

Just before half time Daniel Lobato ghosted through the England back line and was unlucky not to force a goal at the end of the first period. Showing fine close control, Lobato took on three players but was eventually denied by Kyle Bartley.

Ten minutes after the restart Manchester United midfielder Nicky Ajose spurned a terrific chance when he took the ball past the Spanish keeper, but lifted the ball over the bar from 12 yards out. Although there were defenders in his path, Ajose was disappointed not to open the scoring.

It was a half time substitute, Everton's Jack Rodwell, who gave England the lead just minutes later. Dean Parrett delivered the cross and Rodwell took the ball down superbly before finishing through the legs of the replacement Spanish keeper, Angel Ibanez. For a defender it was a fantastic piece of skill, and England took a deserved lead.

Harry Forrester came close to doubling the scores moments later with a fine run and shot, but this time Ibanez was equal to the effort. Though Spain showed touches of class, England were composed and controlled and deserved a hugely impressive victory.

Teams:

England: 1 Wesley Foderingham (Fulham) (13 Declan Rudd (Norwich City) 40), 2 Chris Solly (Charlton Athletic), 3 Ben Gordon (Leeds United), 4 Oliver Norwood (Manchester United) (15 John Bostock (Crystal Palace) 48), 5 Kyle Bartley (Bolton Wanderers) (12 Jack Rodwell (Everton) 40), 6 Thomas Cruise (Arsenal), 7 Matthew James (Manchester United), 8 Dean Parrett (Tottenham Hotspur), 9 Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa) (Adam Phillip (Chelsea) 73), 10 Harry Forrester (Watford) 16 Jacob Mellis (Sheffield United) 61), 11 Nicky Ajose (Manchester United) (18 Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur) 61)

Subs Not Used: 14 Adam Smith (Tottenham Hotspur)

[Sven]

So Spurs did get Parret. Hoping go Chelsea, Can't blame him QPR to Chelsea aint wise.

[Lennon Saviour of E]

As anyone who reads the "big papers" or even the Mail, will know that there has been a hell of a lot of criticism of the quality of English youth players down the pipe line. Yer know, "We're doomed, doomed I tell yah, the future is shite", and all that.

They're talking crap of course. It's just they don't know it.

[Super Pibe #7]

You do realise that most of spains player were rested and they tried out a lot of new names. Since they are preparing for the u17 world cup.

[russe||]

How is a 1-0 victory 'shitting on Spain'?

[Olzy]

Watford have to do everything to keep Harry Forrester. A few Watford fans went to watch him and there were alot of happy Watford fans saying he is soo quick and skilful. Plus he has been scoring lots recently.

Already played for the first team in pre season at 15 years old. When he turns 17 next Jan he will definetly get offered a pro contract by Watford.

I wish the fa website showed all the goals they only have the goals from Scotland.

We may have good youngsters, but there at clubs like Chelsea and other big clubs, where when they get to 19 they get chucked out to shit clubs like Barnet and then lose there way. Not always the case.

[Lennon Saviour of E]

Originally Posted by russe||

How is a 1-0 victory 'shitting on Spain'?

Shoulda been 10-0 but unfortunately there were no school boy errors like at Goodison Park.

[Olzy]

Did you go to the game?

[Lennon Saviour of E]

Originally Posted by Olzy

We may have good youngsters, but there at clubs like Chelsea and other big clubs, where when they get to 19 they get chucked out to shit clubs like Barnet and then lose there way.

Mmmm.

I think it's fair to say there's more talent in this side than say the Aaron Lennon, Steven Taylor, James Milner, Tom Huddleston, Stuart Taylor, Luke Moore, Grant Leadbitter, Phil Ifill lot.

Athough at the time it was considered an unusually good set compared to what had gone on before.

The times they are a changin'.

[Olzy]

^ Harry Forrester.

[Blaugrana]

Ahh there he is again "Lennon saviour of England", the lover of the English youth players A 1-0 win against a b-team, and he goes wild

How are the achievements of English youth teams anyway? Have you won any cups in the last few years (just wondering, i don't know)

[Olzy]

TheFA.com - U16s

Just watched the highlights. Like Harry Forrester run and shot 2mins 57 secs in. He is no.10 and he is involved in most of the attacks.

Already played 2 first team games in pre season and warmed up with the first team at Old Trafford. So he is very highly thought of here at Watford. Might make the bench next season if he continues his progress.

[Sven]

He's a good player mate, see how he progresses. There is so much English talent out there atm, hard to know who will make it top level, all these people who say England got no future are morons, or really haven't done there research. We got many many great prospects.