England U21 3-1 Scotland U21: Josh Onomah scores stunning volley as Young Lions brush aside Auld Enemy
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Josh Onomah notched one of the goals of the season to dispose of Scotland.
The Villa midfielder stroked home a sweet volley to leave England U21 qualifying campaign in good shape.
After the tedious labouring of the senior side against Slovenia on Thursday, there was some slick play and a wondergoal to cheer the Teesside crowd.
Aidy Boothroyd’s men were totally dominant and slick in possession, taking down Scotland with ease.
England were expecting a tougher game, with Scotland having beaten Holland, who drew with England, earlier in the campaign.
(Image: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
But they took charge after 13 minutes with a stunning strike from Onomah, who also grabbed and assist.
Scotland were under the cosh as Trent Alexander-Arnold fired in some awkward corner kicks.
John Souttar did well to head one off the line, but Scott McKenna nodded the next out to Onomah.
The Spurs midfielder, on loan at Aston Villa, took the clearance on his chest 28 yards out.
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Then with a flick of his right boot, volleyed a high, dipping, and totally unstoppable shot just under Ryan Fulton’s crossbar.
It was a remarkable piece of skill to find the top corner of the net with such looping precision.
Onomah played in the holding midfield role and dictated play. He was snappy in the challenge and mobile.
He is one of the U20 World Cup winning squad who have made a comfortable transition to the U21s Euro qualifying bid.
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
It was a poor show from the Scots who gifted possession and territory and seemed content to chase shadows in the first half.
However they did liven up and get more aggressive after the break.
It was a question of how many England would score, but they lacked a ruthless touch in the first half.
England came close to a second when Tammy Abraham’s clever glancing flick from Daminic Calvert-Lewin’s cross hit the post.
(Image: PA)
There was a popular start for local boy Dael Fry on his home ground and in front of Garry Monk.
The defender’s header back across goal allowed Abraham to shoot but Liam Smith cleared off the line.
Fry had little to do, Scott Gemmill’s side banking up behind the ball and offering little in adventure of possession.
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
The second goal finally arrived after 49 minutes when Abraham won and converted a penalty.
The Swansea striker appeared to trip himself up rather than John Souttar, and he slotted the spot kick.
Earlier this month Abraham was linked with a call up for Nigeria, denied by the player.
The more he scores, the more interest they’ll have in offering him senior caps and World Cup potential.
Onomah created the third with a superb through ball to Abraham who unselfishly teed up Dominic Solanke for a tap in.
Seconds earlier the visitors netted when Chris Cadden scored after good work from sub Oliver McBurnie.
England now face Andorra on Tuesday with a bigger test against major group rivals Ukraine ahead.