Paul Digby hailed a "brilliant" team performance after England U19s 4-1 victory against Hungary in Telki.
The powerful Barnsley youngster was instrumental in England U19’s victory over the 2014 UEFA European U19 Championship hosts – scoring the second goal and dominating the midfield battle in what proved to be a highly physical encounter.
Speaking after the game, the 18-year-old said: “It was my first goal so I’m obviously buzzing to get that. I think the team were brilliant today.
“It was physical at times but then with international football you know you can’t tackle too hard – and any little tackles that might not even be a foul in a league game in England could be a yellow card at this level.
“It’s completely different in international so I’m learning – but it’s been a great experience for me.”
Digby’s 32nd-minute strike came at a crucial period of the game, just as the hosts began to dominate and threaten Luke Coddington’s goal on a number of occasions.
But a swift counter-attack by Noel Blake’s Young Lions presented Digby with the opportunity to open his international account.
“I saw Josh [Murphy] making the run on the left so I made the forward run into the box,” he added. “It was brilliant work from him on the wing and he picked me out fantastically – I’ve not caught it completely cleanly if I’m being totally honest - but a goal’s a goal and I was delighted to see it go in.”
The game at the Globall Football Park his second outing for the U19s – after making his debut in the 6-1 victory over Estonia in September 2013, and Sheffield-born Digby says he has loved every minute of his time away with England.
“It’s brilliant being away with the U19s,” he said. “The boys are brilliant, the setup is brilliant, the coaching staff are fantastic.
“Everything about it is great. it’s so professional and I enjoy it every time I come. But now it’s all about going back to my club, working hard and doing the right things to get into the next squad.”
