Five-Star England Ease To Victory

Last updated : 22 March 2019 By Three Lions

England enjoyed a superb start to Euro 2020 qualifying at Wembley on Friday evening with a 5-0 victory against the Czech Republic, on paper the toughest of the opponents set to face Gareth Southgate's side.

More than 82,000 came in anticipation of a Three Lions victory and were rewarded with more vibrant attacking play from Southgate's young side, Jadon Sancho handed a start in a three-pronged attack alongside Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane with the trio combining well for Sterling to open the scoring.

The Manchester City man looks to have come of age in an England shirt and his forceful run on the stroke of half-time drew a debatable penalty which Kane despatched to end the game as a contest.

That left the stage open for Sterling to add two more and depart to a standing ovation with his replacement Callum Hudson-Odoi forcing a fifth goal when his run and shot was put into the net by a Czech defender.

Qualification for a major tournament again looks set to be comfortable for England but even compared to their laboured campaign ahead of the 2018 World Cup there is a ruthlessness about this side and increasing competition for places as Southgate puts his faith in youth.

A trip to Montenegro is next on Monday evening.