Folarin Balogun Helps England U21 to Victory over Germany

Folarin Balogun scored as England u21s beat Germany 3-1 in a friendly at Bramall Lane. Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer were also on the scoresheet on the day.

The Young Lions showed the seniors how to beat Germany but fell behind in the 35th minute when Felix Nmecha headed in the first goal of the game. However, Balogun equalised with a great turn and shot that went in off the post just before halftime.

Gallagher scored early in the second half as he tapped in from an Anthony Gordon square pass to give England the lead. The victory was sealed when Oliver Skipp played in Palmer who finished into the bottom corner in injury time.

Sweet Caroline was played as Lee Carsley’s side celebrated their victory in front of their supporters.

Match reaction:

Commentator Guy Mowbray on the BBC said:

"It’s been a really lively and entertaining England u21 international friendly at Bramall Lane. What had started to happen for England was positive runs from midfield.From Gordon’s pullback, look how quick to react Folarin Balogun was, lovely finish from a striker right on top of his game.England started the second half swarming all over Germany. Look at this from a swivel of the hips from Gordon and it was tapped into the net by Gallagher. He had the easy bit.Then right at the end, deep into injury time. Cole Palmer just had to do the running and the finishing."

Could any of these players go to the World Cup with England’s senior team?

Balogun has been in fine form for Stade de Reims on loan from Arsenal this season with five goals in eight games. He now has scored six times in 11 games for England u21s and is one of the most in-form English strikers in the top five European leagues.

Gareth Southgate has shown during his reign that he does give players a chance but he did call up Ivan Toney for the recent games and did not play him.

Conor Gallagher already has four caps for England’s senior side but this season he has played just five times for Chelsea. He made a brave decision to stay at the Blues instead of going out on loan again and his lack of game time may cost him a place at the World Cup.

England also has Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in the centre of the park, who have both impressed recently.

Anthony Gordon has never been capped by Gareth Southgate’s side but has done very well for Everton this term, scoring twice in seven appearances. He also has four goals in seven games for England’s u21s.

Southgate’s side has been questioned for their lack of a playmaker and Gordon would add some creativity to their midfield. However, Gordon has a tough ask to lodge a starting place ahead of the likes of Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, and Bukayo Saka.

Performances like this for the u21s show that the future of England is in good hands. There are some fantastic players on the conveyor belt and ones that we will no doubt get an opportunity for the senior side soon.