England got here from behind to beat Kazakhstan 4-2 in an entertaining affair at Molineux to all however ebook their place on the European U21 Championship subsequent yr.
Slovakia’s defeat to the Republic of Eire earlier meant England’s win put them six factors clear with two video games left, with a vastly superior purpose distinction and getting ready to qualification for the match in Albania and Serbia.
Kazakhstan sit on the backside of Group D and their final win within the competitors got here in June 2025, so it was a giant shock after they took the lead over the group leaders within the third minute courtesy of Artyom Litosh’s close-range strike.
England quickly confirmed their high quality, although they required some luck when Ali Turganov’s personal purpose obtained them degree earlier than Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong produced a striker’s end to place them in entrance.
Kazakhstan once more shocked Molineux to get degree by way of Saif Popov earlier than the break however England managed to safe the win by way of Max Alleyne’s second-half strike earlier than Will Lankshear’s debut purpose wrapped up the factors.
Many anticipated England to make a fast begin but it surely was the minnows who put themselves in entrance when Miras Omatay’s nook landed on the toes of Litosh who was left unmarked six yards out to poke residence within the third minute.
The Younger Lions have been degree after Kazakhstan tried to eliminate a ball into the field, however a clearance from Sultan Askarov ricocheted off the again of Turganov to get them degree.
Lee Carsley’s aspect have been in entrance six minutes later when Chelsea teenager Acheampong lined one up from vary and fired into the underside left nook with a pinpoint strike.
The sport developed into capturing observe for England, nonetheless, towards the run of play, Kazakhstan got here biting again once more and after Popov noticed his first effort saved by James Beadle, it bounced again in his favour to show residence the rebound.
A neatly labored free-kick routine obtained England’s noses again in entrance as Ethan Nwaneri’s floated free-kick was nodded again throughout by Acheampong who turned supplier for fellow centre-back Alleyne to comb residence.
Beadle was referred to as into motion once more to cease Kazakhstan from equalising on the finish earlier than Lankshear went down the opposite finish and poked residence from Jobe Bellingham’s cross to seal the win.