An Alex Robertson double gives Young Lions a deserved win over Czech Republic

Manchester City’s Alex Robertson struck a first-half double to give England MU17s a comfortable 2-0 win over Czech Republic on a cold night at the home of Solihull Moors.

Kevin Betsy made eleven changes to the side that lost to Denmark on Friday and the Young Lions set out to dominate from the start. 

They created the first clear chance following a long passing move, with Louie Barry’s low ball in firmly struck by Amadou Diallo, but Antonín Kinský was able to parry.

Czech Republic had less of the ball but remained a threat on the counter-attack, with England goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi needing to be quick off his line to deny Kryštof Daněk midway through the first half.

Moments later, the visitors broke again. Jáchym Šíp was sent through on goal and this time Oluwayemi was beaten to the ball, felling the winger instead. He made amends, however, by diving low to his left to save Filip Vecheta’s penalty.

England responded well and took the lead with a slick progression through midfield and a sharp left-footed finish from Robertson as he broke into the box.

Robertson had already come close with a low drive before he grabbed his second on the stroke of half time. The midfielder headed in after good work from Rico Richards, who drew the goalkeeper out and clipped the ball across for a simple finish into an empty net.

Richards almost got a goal of his own with the two best chances of the second half, his first curling effort pushed over the bar while his second saw him skew just wide of an unguarded goal.

Martin Vitík headed narrowly wide from a corner and Czech Republic almost netted a late consolation but Betsy’s side successfully held on for a clean sheet and deserved win.