Will Lankshear scores on debut as England U21 come from behind to beat Kazakhstan 4-2
England U21 fight back to keep qualification in sight
England U21 came from behind to beat Kazakhstan U21 4-2 in an entertaining European Under-21 Championship Qualifying Group D clash at Molineux on Friday night, moving another step closer to booking their place at next year's finals in Albania and Serbia.
The Young Lions found themselves trailing inside three minutes when the group's bottom side stunned the leaders, but goals from an own goal, two defenders and a debutant striker eventually secured the points.
Kazakhstan stun the Young Lions early
Many expected England to make a quick start, but it was the visitors who put themselves in front. Miras Omatay's corner landed at the feet of Artyom Litosh, who was left unmarked six yards out to poke home in the third minute.
England soon showed their quality, though they required some luck to level. When Kazakhstan tried to clear a ball into the box, a clearance from Sultan Askarov ricocheted off the back of Ali Turganov to bring the hosts level at 1-1.
Chelsea youngster edges England ahead
Lee Carsley's side were in front six minutes later when Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong lined one up from range and fired into the bottom-left corner with a pinpoint striker's finish.
Kazakhstan, however, had other ideas. Against the run of play, Saif Popov saw his first effort saved by England goalkeeper James Beadle, but the ball bounced back in his favour to allow him to turn home the rebound and restore parity before the break.
Alleyne restores the lead before Lankshear seals it
A neatly worked free-kick routine got England's noses back in front after the interval. Ethan Nwaneri's floated free-kick was nodded back across by Acheampong, who turned provider for fellow centre-back Max Alleyne to sweep home and make it 3-2.
Beadle was called into action again to deny Kazakhstan a late equaliser, before Will Lankshear went down the other end and poked home from Jobe Bellingham's cross to seal the win in the 91st minute on his debut.
On the brink of Albania and Serbia
Slovakia's earlier defeat to the Republic of Ireland meant England's win put them six points clear at the top of Group D with two games remaining, with a hugely superior goal difference leaving them on the brink of qualification.
"England came from behind to beat Kazakhstan 4-2 in an entertaining affair at Molineux to all but book their place at the European U21 Championship next year," the match report noted, with the Young Lions now firmly favourites to reach the tournament in Albania and Serbia.