Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough debuts for England Under 21 in comfortable victory

Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough debuts for England Under 21 in comfortable victory

 

 

 

Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough is celebrating his first England Under-21 cap after participating in the entire 90 minutes of the team’s 3-0 victory over Luxembourg.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who had previously supported Scotland, has now joined the England U21 team under the leadership of Lee Carsley. Along with Cole Palmer of Chelsea and Harvey Elliott of Liverpool, Hackney received the start in the match, and the Boro player delivered an assured performance.

England won easily to begin the defense of their European Championship crown. Liam Delap and Callum Doyle both scored in their debuts. At the Stade Parc des Sports, Manchester City forward Delap, who was on loan to Hull, gave the Young Lions a lead at halftime. Doyle and Cole Palmer then scored in the second half.
England, Euro 2023 winners in Georgia and Romania earlier this summer, had a frustrating first half in their opening Euro 2025 qualifier. Luxembourg, who beat Northern Ireland 1-0 in Lurgan last Thursday, made life difficult for England by defending deep and in large numbers.

Harvey Elliott twice went close to giving England an early lead, with his close-range effort blocked before firing inches wide from outside the penalty area. Juventus forward Samuel Iling-Junior blazed over from in front of goal and Nathan Wood headed straight at goalkeeper Eldin Latik.
Latik then saved Palmer’s low effort and Doyle headed narrowly off target as the chances mounted up for England. Another goal-bound shot from Palmer was well saved, but Lee Carsley’s side made the breakthrough just before the interval.
Latik then saved Palmer’s low effort and Doyle headed narrowly off target as the chances mounted up for England. Another goal-bound shot from Palmer was well saved, but Lee Carsley’s side made the breakthrough just before the interval.