Milner seals 3-0 win for U21s
Milner scored twice for the U21s
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Tuesday, 05, Feb 2008 10:06
Two second-half goals from James Milner secured Stuart Pearce's England under-21s an impressive 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
The Newcastle United winger scored twice in eight minutes to leave the youngsters on the verge of qualifying for the European Championships before Theo Walcott's cool finish added a third with 12 minutes remaining.
Stuart Pearce's half-time team talk appeared to work after a Milner shot from the left-hand side was the pick of the action in a poor first-half in terrible conditions.
But as the teams came out for the second period, England looked the stronger although a better finish from Wolves' Andrew Keogh could have put the visitors ahead.
England went close through Middlesbrough defender David Wheater but it was the impressive Milner who broke the deadlock, albeit fortunately.
He crossed the ball low with his right foot from the edge of the area and it deflected off Stephen O'Halloran and into the back of the Irish net.
Man-of-the-match Milner scored his second with an accurate shot from the edge of the area that went in off Darren Randolph's right-hand post.
England continued to pour forward and added a deserved third as Theo Walcott broke down the left channel.
The Arsenal youngster cut back onto his right-foot and curled the ball into the far corner with a composed finish reminiscent of his former team-mate Thierry Henry.
Adam Rooney came closest for the Republic as the visitors mustered a response but Joe Hart was equal to the shot with a smart right-hand save.