Jamie Gittens ends five-year wait for England goal in U21 win over Moldova | OneFootball

England U21 defeated Moldova 4-0 in their European U21 Championship qualifier on Friday.

Head coach Lee Carsley named a strong starting line-up, featuring Chelsea duo Jamie Gittens and Josh Acheampong, Manchester City’s Rico Lewis and Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri.

Goalkeeper James Beadle made the game’s first save, denying Matteo Obleac from giving Moldova the lead in the fourth minute.

England’s first chance of the encounter fell to Acheampong in the 16th minute, but he headed Nwaneri’s cross wide.

Gittens gave the Young Lions the lead in the 27th minute. The Chelsea forward received a pass from Nwaneri before drifting inside the box to curl the ball into the bottom corner.

The goal marked Gittens’ first goal for England in five years – his last came for the U16 team in a 3-3 draw with the Republic of Ireland in September 2019.

Moldova attempted to level the scores through Stefan Bitca, but his effort was blocked.

The hosts failed to create any clear-cut chances to restore parity, ensuring England ended the first half with a one-goal advantage.

Jobe Bellingham and Gittens had chances to double the Young Lions’ lead, but they fluffed their chances.

Manchester City starlet Divin Mubama eventually made it 2-0 in the 68th minute, picking the bottom right corner from Nwaneri’s assist.

Mubama added to England’s advantage in the 74th minute from the penalty spot after Josh King was fouled in the area.

Rico Lewis completed the scoring late in the game, combining with Bellingham before firing a right-footed shot into the net from outside the box.

England will be back in action on Monday when they host Andorra, aiming to continue their perfect start to the qualification campaign.