McAtee skippers Young Lions to friendly draw in the Netherlands | OneFootball

James McAtee skippered England Under-21s to a hard-fought 1-1 friendly draw away to the Netherlands.

The City midfielder wore the captain’s armband for the Young Lions in the Almere clash as part of the England youngsters’ build up towards next summer’s 2025 Under-21 European Championships.

The result extended the Young Lions’ unbeaten run to 10 games with a draw a fair result between two of the sides most fancied to triumph in next year’s Slovakia showpiece.

England had got off to the best start, racing into a fifth minute lead thanks to a superb diving header from Dane Scarlett

Sam Iling Junior was the architect, drilling in in a superb cross from the left flank and Oxford striker Scarlett provided a clinical finish, executing a wonderful header.

McAtee - who played for all but the final two minutes - led by example and provided a moment of class on 33 minutes, producing an exquisite turn and then gliding upfield before sending a delicate chip just over the bar.

WATCH: Watch: 90 minutes of great City Premier League goals

The Dutch enjoyed plenty of possession and territory but were restricted to few chances.

Skipper Ryan Flamingo’s 45th minute lob proved their best first half opportunity, the effort just too high to trouble England keeper James Beadle.

Beadle then produced a brilliant 58th minute save to deny Ezechiel Banzuzi after the Dutch midfielder let fly from 20 yards with the hosts turning up the intensity.

And the Dutch pressure finally bore fruit nine minutes from time when sub Tom Van Bergen converted from close range after England’s back line was finally breached.