U13's Visit Wembley To See England U16's V Spain U16's
|
28th May 2007 |
England 1-0 Spain
England U16s v Spain U16s
International U16 Friendly
3pm - Saturday 28 April 2007
Wembley Stadium
The Twin Oaks FC U13's Squad made full use of their free tickets to watch an International match at the newly constructed Wembley Stadium.
It was a day to remember for all that made the trip as this was the first time that anyone from the Club had been inside the awe inspiring stadium.
MATCH REPORT BELOW
Everton's Jack Rodwell scored the only goal of the game to give England a tremendous victory over Spain at Wembley, in front a fantastic crowd of 28,210.
On a beautiful summer's day, Kenny Swain's side performed strongly throughout the encounter and scored a deserved win over one of the highest rated teams in world football at this age group.
Controlling possession and dominating the chances, England performed extremely well in the second match at Wembley Stadium. Though all the players will take incredible memories from the day, Rodwell will certainly remember his first match in the new stadium.
England almost took the lead in the first 60 seconds when Harry Forrester ran clear on the right flank and lifted a dangerous cross towards the Spanish area. The ball was delivered with pace and power but Benitez in the Spain goal was able to fist the ball clear.
Six minutes later there was a show of class from one of Spain 's highly rated youngsters as Daniel Lobato struck from distance but Wesley Foderingham was able to hold the ball comfortably.
Another of the Barcelona contingent showed skill just moments later when Thiago dribbled through the area and looked like opening the scoring, but was denied by the composed defending of Thomas Cruise.
It was a hot afternoon at Wembley and the heat took out some of the pace of the game, but there were flashes of brilliance from the players as they rose to the occasion of playing on the famous hallowed turf in front of a fantastic crowd.
Matty James, who impressed during the Montaigu Tournament, hit the bar with a close range header on the half hour mark. Ben Gordon sped down the left flank and put in a testing cross that James rose to meet. Benitez was pleased though to see the ball cannon back off the cross bar and the scores remained level.
Just before half time Daniel Lobato ghosted through the England back line and was unlucky not to force a goal at the end of the first period. Showing fine close control, Lobato took on three players but was eventually denied by Kyle Bartley.
Ten minutes after the restart Manchester United midfielder Nicky Ajose spurned a terrific chance when he took the ball past the Spanish keeper, but lifted the ball over the bar from 12 yards out. Although there were defenders in his path, Ajose was disappointed not to open the scoring.
It was a half time substitute, Everton's Jack Rodwell, who gave England the lead just minutes later. Dean Parrett delivered the cross and Rodwell took the ball down superbly before finishing through the legs of the replacement Spanish keeper, Angel Ibanez. For a defender it was a fantastic piece of skill, and England took a deserved lead.
Harry Forrester came close to doubling the scores moments later with a fine run and shot, but this time Ibanez was equal to the effort. Though Spain showed touches of class, England were composed and controlled and deserved a hugely impressive victory.
England: Wesley Foderingham (Fulham) Declan Rudd (Norwich City) Chris Solly (Charlton Athletic) Adam Smith (Tottenham Hotspur) Ben Gordon (Leeds United) Oliver Norwood (Manchester United) John Bostock (Crystal Palace) Kyle Bartley (Bolton Wanderers) Jack Rodwell (Everton) Thomas Cruise (Arsenal) Matthew James (Manchester United) Dean Parrett (Tottenham Hotspur) Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa) (Adam Phillip (Chelsea) Harry Forrester (Watford) Jacob Mellis (Sheffield United) Nicky Ajose (Manchester United) Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur)
Goals: Rodwell 52
Attendance: 28,210