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Azerbaijan U21 1-5 England U21: Lee Carsley’s men take a step closer to Euros qualification in emphatic style as Harvey Elliott nets a brace

  • Harvey Elliott, Noni Madueke, Jaden Philogene and Archie Gray all scored 
  • England U21 now sit level on point with group leaders Ukraine after this win
  • Gareth Southgate deserves greater respect amid Man United links… who are these fools who doubt him? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

It’s been another camp where Gareth Southgate has dipped into the deep pool of resources of England’s Under 21s, with two more heading up to the seniors.

Kobbie Mainoo was in one door and straight out the other earlier in the week, with Jarrad Branthwaite handed a first call-up at a time when being a Young Lion has never been so encouraging.

Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis and Levi Colwill have also been afforded senior recognition this season but one man who still waits is Harvey Elliott.

Remarkably he’s still only 20, Elliott. He played a creditable part in England’s European Championship triumph last summer, a solo effort in beating Germany one of the standout moments in Georgia. 

He netted the first and fourth of this qualifying breeze in Azerbaijan, now seven in his last five at this level. Wearing his collar up spoke to Elliott’s swagger rather than any protest against the little detail on the back of the new kit.

England U21 thrashed Azerbaijan 5-1 U21 to move a step closer to next year's Euros

England U21 thrashed Azerbaijan 5-1 U21 to move a step closer to next year’s Euros

Liverpool's Harvey Elliott scored the first and fourth goal of the match on Friday afternoon

Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott scored the first and fourth goal of the match on Friday afternoon 

Chelsea's Noni Madueke (L) added a second, bundling in the lively Jaden Philogene’s cross

Chelsea’s Noni Madueke (L) added a second, bundling in the lively Jaden Philogene’s cross

‘The way he’s been playing every week for Liverpool, and the impact he’s made, means he’s putting himself in a great position,’ said Under-21 boss Lee Carsley. ‘A really strong end to the season in a really strong team.

‘He’s really connected to this team but there is definitely never any temptation from me to keep them here. He’s got the ability to score all kinds of goals. If he can keep adding those, it’s a big thing and the senior team really value people who can put the numbers together.’

Elliott’s close control and passed finish, latching onto Liverpool teammate Tyler Morton’s menacing cross, opened the game up midway through the first half and made sure the long trip was as serene as possible. Despite losing in Ukraine in October, a spot at next year’s championship looks secure.

Noni Madueke added a second, bundling in the lively Jaden Philogene’s cross just before the half hour, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis was credited with having headed home Morton’s corner – even though it struck Philogene on the way in.

Leeds United’s Archie Gray galloped forward to notch the fifth minutes after coming on

Leeds United’s Archie Gray galloped forward to notch the fifth minutes after coming on

Lee Carsley was full of praise for Elliott who now has seven in his last five at this level

Lee Carsley was full of praise for Elliott who now has seven in his last five at this level

Debutant Morgan Rogers, asked to lead the line, swivelled inside the box and had the presence of mind to spot Elliott’s late run and the midfielder tapped into an empty net. That took him past Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko as top scorer in qualifying.

Not a bad record to have and Elliott will want to back this up at his club. If he keeps adding goals to the nine in Liverpool red – the latest at Manchester United at the weekend – then perhaps Southgate will be due a closer look.

England’s couldn’t maintain a clean sheet, however, with James Trafford palming into the path of Ramin Nasirli, before another debutant – Leeds United’s Archie Gray – galloped forward to notch the fifth minutes after coming on for Lewis.

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