England Under-19s succumb to second-half goals in Mexico

England Under-19s suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday, losing 2-0 to Mexico in the first of two games between the nations.

Aidy Boothroyd’s side were undone by two goals in the second half, at the Mexican national football centre in Centro de Alto Rendimiento outside Mexico City.

It was a tight first half during which the Young Lions held their own, despite the difficult conditions provided by the heat and altitude, with impressive displays from debutant Fikayo Tomori and Dael Fry in the centre of defence.

But when the hosts edged ahead on the hour mark thanks a direct free-kick, England were left to chase an equaliser.

And after a few half-chances and with time running out, Boothroyd’s side were caught on the break as they chased an equaliser when Mexico scrambled home a second via the unfortunate Tafari Moore with ten minutes remaining.

There was one positive for the Young Lions though, as they won the practice penalty shoot-out which was held at full time.

Despite the scoreline, Boothroyd was happy with the way his side acquitted themselves and is now looking forward to Monday’s second game. 

"I’ve been pleased with the trip so far, it’s good to come to a different continent and stand up to the challenges we’ve faced," he said.

"It wasn’t our day today, but we have another match on Monday which we’re looking forward to and we can hopefully turn that in our favour."

England Under-19s: 1 Freddie Woodman (Newcastle United) (c), 2 Kyle Walker-Peters (Tottenham Hotspur),  3 Tafari Moore (Arsenal),  4 Ryan Ledson (Everton), 5 Fikayo Tomori (Chelsea), 6 Dael Fry (Middlesbrough), 7 Ademola Lookman (Charlton Athletic), 8 Callum Connolly (Everton), 9 Dominic Solanke (Chelsea), 10 Sheyi Ojo (Liverpool), 11 Isaiah Brown (Chelsea)

Substitutions: 12 Jonjoe Kenny (Everton) for Walker-Peters 45, 18 Axel Tuanzebe (Man Utd) for Ledson 45, 17 Rico Henry (Walsall) for Brown 45, 14 Tammy Abraham (Chelsea) for Ojo 45, 19 Adam Armstrong (Newcastle) for Solanke 45, 16 Jordan Rossiter (Rangers) for Connolly 75, Ryan Ledson (back on) for Lookman 75 

Substitutes not used: 13 Sam Howes (West Ham United), 15 Josh Onomah (Tottenham Hotspur),  20 Taylor Moore (Lens), 21 Ainsley Maitland Niles (Arsenal), 22 Luke Southwood (Reading)

Head coach: Aidy Boothroyd