Southampton’s duo represented England Under-21's last night as James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond were outstanding as they helped seal victory over Kazakhstan earning them a spot at Euro 2017.
Heading to Euro 2017
As Leicester City winger Demarai Gray sank Kazakhstan scoring his first goal for the Under-21's, he was helped out by the impressive chance created by both Ward-Prowse and Redmond.
As the squad made light work of their opposition in the light of boss Gareth Southgate’s taking over as the senior's side manager after Sam Allardyce lost his job due to the Daily Telegraph investigation. But he would have been pleased with his youngsters as they qualified with a game to spare for the competition taking place in Poland next year.
England made a quick start to the game taking the lead just after six minutes, the sharp move started with captain Ward-Prowse sending Redmond running down the right and crossed into the path of an onrushing Gray.
Gray broke away from the defence and made the goal look easy with a simple tap in from seven yards out to give the Under-21’s the win.
Easy pickings
Although it wasn’t all plain sailing it never is with football, as the home team did try to even the score but it wasn’t to be for them, as the visitors were in complete control of the game from the first whistle to the last.
22-year-old Saints star Jack Stephens, unfortunately, didn’t make it from the bench for the Young Lions, while Matt Targett decided to be cautious after picking up a knock and sat out of the fixture.
Defender Targett is expected to be fit for duty on Tuesday as the Young Lions host Bosnia at Walsall in their final game of the group stages, it will be a game they hope to win to go unbeaten, after five wins and two draws from their seven group games thus far.