Boothroyd praise for ‘little eel’ Foden

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By PA Sport

Last Updated: 11/10/18 11:49pm

Phil Foden made his England U21 debut against Andorra

Phil Foden made his England U21 debut against Andorra

Phil Foden made his England U21 debut against Andorra

Aidy Boothroyd was impressed with Phil Foden’s contribution as England U21s booked their spot in next summer’s Euro 2019 finals with a 7-0 rout of Andorra.

The Young Lions reached the tournament in Italy and San Marino with a game to spare after topping Group Four.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted two goals, while Ademola Lookman, Ezri Konsa, Dominic Solanke, Reiss Nelson and Christian Garcia’s own goal wrapped up a dominant win in Chesterfield.

Dazzling Engd U21s seal Euro spot

England U21s sealed their place at the 2019 U21 European Championships in style after a dazzling 7-0 win against Andorra U21s.

But it was Foden’s performance on his U21 debut that caught Boothroyd’s eye.

“Phil is a real team player,” he said. “When he gets the ball in difficult positions, he wriggles out of it like a little eel.

“Considering he hasn’t played a game with this group of players, I thought he took to it really well.”

England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd has targeted Euro 2019 glory

England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd has targeted Euro 2019 glory

England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd has targeted Euro 2019 glory

England have now qualified for seven straight tournaments and are 34 games unbeaten in the qualifiers, and Boothroyd is eager for success next summer.

“Whatever the tournament we want to get to the latter stages and we want to win things,” he said. “This group have won with the junior teams and it has been a little while since Stuart’s (Pearce) team got to the final (in 2009).

“We’ve qualified for Italy which is the biggest thing, to play in the European Championships and getting the boys tournament experience is what we’re about.”

Dominic Calvert Lewin scored either side of half-time

Dominic Calvert Lewin scored either side of half-time

Dominic Calvert Lewin scored either side of half-time

He added of Thursday’s one-sided victory: “We should win the game and you know that going into it but there’s always that banana skin and worry you can’t score and their goalkeeper makes a few saves.

“I’m still thinking about Scotland (on Tuesday) and want to get it out the way. We want to finish with as many points as we can.”

Lookman opened the scoring after nine minutes and Konsa drilled in before Calvert-Lewin added a third before the break.

Ademola Lookman put England ahead against Andorra

Ademola Lookman put England ahead against Andorra

Ademola Lookman put England ahead against Andorra

Calvert-Lewin converted from the spot after Konsa was tugged three minutes into the second half and Solanke rounded Francisco Pires to score a late fifth.

Arsenal’s Nelson netted a cheeky debut goal in stoppage time before Garcia turned into his own net to complete the rout.

Lookman also impressed after the Everton forward was criticised by Boothroyd in last month’s win in Latvia.

Boothroyd said: “There was a lot going on in his mind at that time. He was excellent tonight. He stuck to the gameplan and he is a very good young player. I am delighted he got his goal.”

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