Watched this last night with the view that England U21 had a really good team out and myself a little bet.
Thought England would win easily but NI defended really well and played superbly. Two outstanding players were our own Michael ForbeS and Patrick Kelly. First time in a year where I watched both of them play probably since the Youth Cup Final against Arsenal.
Both Forbes and Kelly were very dominant,calm,controlled and assured. This wasn't a panic with 10 men behind the ball tactics aka Moyes. I was imPressed with NI.
Both players are out on loan Forbes at Bristol Rovers,LG1 and Kelly at Doncaster LG2. Forbes has struggled with injury the last 2 years but there is a player there,if he can stay injury free then we may be able to use him next year as he's already big,solid and can move the ball around. His fellow defender at youth level, Casey still has some filling out I feel and this may bring on injuries.If we are getting Egan i don't see much difference between the 2.from what I recall Egan made several contstant errors last season. I'm hoping this is a break out season for Forbes as i was impressed with his leadership too.
Kelly has been the understudy to Earthy and Orford in the middle of the park for the u21's and Youth team but has been assued,calm and consistent. Again if he can get a lot of game time and be injury free he could well be the suprise package from the U21's,needs to add goals but he could be a replica Declan Rice in that role that Rice had in his early days for us.
Two good performances and very encouraging.
AFFILIATE SEARCH | Shop Amazon.co.uk using this search bar and support WHO!