Eddie Nketiah shone scoring a hat-trick as captain of the England u21s on Friday, with Reiss Nelson also getting in on the goals.
Eddie Nketiah capped his first appearance as England u21 captain with a hat-trick, as Reiss Nelson and Bukayo Saka also did well in a 6-0 win over Kosovo.
Nketiah and Saka both started the match, and they showed the strongest early signs of opening the scoring.
Nketiah flicked Saka through on goal in the first half, but the goalkeeper smothered the shot. Saka then created a chance for the striker in return, but the 21-year-old could only head the free-kick onto the bar.
Nketiah eventually opened the scoring in the second half. Saka made a darting run into the box drawing a defender with him, leaving space at the back post for Eddie to head home his first goal of the night.
Captain @EddieNketiah9 opens the scoring! 📞#younglions pic.twitter.com/hlMFwVngjU
— England (@England) September 4, 2020
Nketiah then took advantage of a poor defensive line to find himself onside and in the box a few minutes later. He spun on the ball to finish with his left foot for 2-0.
2️⃣ goals in 5️⃣ minutes for @EddieNketiah9 🔥#younglions pic.twitter.com/WblZYMhzVO
— England (@England) September 4, 2020
Saka played a part in the third goal with a dangerous ball in behind. In trying to prevent the pass reaching its destination, a Kosovan defender brought an England man down for a penalty. There was only one player stepping up to take it for his hat-trick.
Perfect hat-trick for @EddieNketiah9 😎#younglions pic.twitter.com/td2RT3l9aN
— England (@England) September 4, 2020
Right after that, Saka came off, without a goal or assist but with an influential performance nonetheless. Reiss Nelson came on and quickly got a goal of his own. He anticipated a cut-back well and finished confidently for 4-0.
A good night for our @Arsenal boys! 👏#younglions pic.twitter.com/hLlp1UX4Nf
— England (@England) September 4, 2020
Nketiah came off in the 72nd minute, before Nelson played a part in the fifth goal. His turn and through ball to Callum Hudson-Odoi allowed the Chelsea man to cross for Ryan Sessegnon to finish.
5️⃣ of the best 👏#younglions pic.twitter.com/iwSjd6cB02
— England (@England) September 4, 2020
The u21s scored a sixth, but for once, there was no Arsenal involvement. The match finished 6-0, with all the goals coming in the second half.
It was a dominant display from the Arsenal youngsters, and one which puts the England side in a commanding position in the group.