[Nic]

January 1st 2009



So it all started on New Years Day. My name is Nicholas Lawton, I am English, ex footballer now retired through injury, and I currently live in Spain.

I woke up at around 10 that morning, checked messages on my phone, just texts from mates wishing me a Happy New Year.

My landline had 3 missed calls, 2 from a mate who had already texted me and another with a number unrecognised by the phone.

I had breakfast with my wife Jessica, we'd been together since just before my career ended, and had moved to Spain because of her.

My footballing career was an honour to speak of, I had 78 caps for England, and had come through the ranks of my favourite club, Leeds United, before I was shipped off to Liverpool after we were relegated, although my love for The Whites has never ended.

I decided to sit down and watch Sky Sports News while on my Netbook which I was given for Christmas. As my netbook booted up I noticed one of the headlines, which read 'Stuart Pearce axed from his England U21 job.'

I was surprised at this, Pearce had done rather well there, not such a great New Year for him then.

My current job was working as Assistant Manager to Unai Emery at Valencia, but I'm expecting to leave soon with the financial trouble Valencia are in.

I was strongly considering the possibility of moving to England for a managerial job, maybe even with Leeds, and I have spoken of my desire to go manage someone.

I decided I was going to apply for England U21s.



January 2nd 2009




I woke up quite early today, mainly so I could get straight down to applying for the job, and so I quickly went through my phonebook, first to Stuart Pearce's number which he had given me while I still played, and to the FA.

First, I quickly dialed Stuart's number, and was surprised to see it answered within 3 seconds.

"Hello?" Pearce spoke first.
"Hello there, this is Nicholas Lawton, don't suppose you remember me?" I tried to sound like i was a big name.
"Of coarse I do Nic, how's things?"
"Not bad I guess, I'm sorry to hear your leaving the U21s..."
"Its not a problem really, I had a bit of an argument so it it was mostly my fault for being silly."
"Yeah, well, anyway, I was phoning to ask you to tell someone while your still there that I want the job." I sounded like I wasn't interested.
"Is that so? Well, you better be serious. I don't want to get into more trouble here."
"No no, I really want this opportunity! I'm about to ring the FA and ask them to consider me. I've spoken to my wife and she is fully behind me." I tried to sound confident.
"Right then... I'll have a word with someone and let them know."
"Thanks Stuart, I'll pay you back some day!" I didn't know how at that time, but it sounded like something that was going to get me somewhere.
"Ok then. Well I'll speak to you later."
"See y-"

He had already put the phone down, so I decided to dial the FA.

"Yes?" A young woman spoke on the other end.
"Hello there, I was wondering If you knew the number to where everything goes on with the England under 21s." I must have expected my voice to be similar, but she had no idea who I was.
"I'm sorry sir, but first I have to know what you want to do there and your details."
"My name is Nicholas Lawton, ex England international, and I'm now in the coaching team at Valencia..."
"Err... Yes.. We have a Nicholas Lawton here..."

I told her why and what I wanted to there and eventually she gave me a number which I quickly jotted down.

So for the third time in about 10 minutes now I dialled a number, this time it took longer to be answered, but I was surprised at the voice on the other end.

"Nicholas Lawton?" spoke a man.
"How do you know my name, but yes that's me."
"I was just called by secretary to tell me I was expecting a call from you."
"Yes... well anyway, I'd like to declare myself a candidate for the job, and I want to apply for it."
"Ok, well your on the list."

List? I thought to myself, Not many could have applied in that short space of time.

"Thanks then."
"Ok, we will let you know on the progress soon enough, B-Bye."

And the line was dead.

I sat there for a second, just looking at nothing inparticular, thinking about what would happen if I actually got the job. Wish me luck!

[Ana_Garcia]

Interesting idea, and nice format!

Good luck with this

[Nic]

Thanks AC/DC for the comment, keep reading!!!

By Jamie Bradbury - 5th January 2009


Men's Under-21 Team
Lawton Confirmed U21 boss

Wembley: The stadium Lawton will begin his managerial career at with the U21's.

Ex-Valencia assistant manager and England international Nicholas Lawton has been handed a 3 year contract and will take over the Under-21 side, just five days after Stuart Pearce left.

Lawton has expressed his desire to manage a club in England, and finally gets his chance with the U21's, and will manage the team in this years European Championships, should England qualify.

England manager Fabio Capello was the man to decide who the next U21 manager would be, and wasted no time in choosing Nicholas Lawton.

"He had a great football career you know, I knew he was doing well at Valencia so I was surprised to see his name on the list for the job.

"I didn't hesitate, he was the one I wanted and I was straight into discussions."

Lawton had a great playing career, coming from the ranks at Leeds before moving to Liverpool for the rest of his career, making lots of international appearances, but his career was ended after a game against Brazil, where he broke his leg and decided to retire.

"I was so angry at the time. I thought I'd never turn back to football again.

"But it's almost an addictive game. I couldn't leave it, and came back almost 12 months after retiring for Valencia.

"But with the financial situation I thought I was soon to be removed of my position as I was on quite a lot of money, so I guess the move is best for both clubs.

"I cant wait to get to my first game, management is hopefully going to be my speciality now, but time will tell, I just want to do well.

"I have a good idea on my players available and all I'm concentrating on now is qualifying through both the World Cup groups and The European Championships."

Lawton will immediately leave his position as Valencia assistant manager to join The Three Lions, and joins until 30th June 2011.

This post has been edited by Delphinho: 25 June 2009 - 06:05 PM

[Nic]

U21s Lose First Game With Lawton In Charge

Last Updated: 31st March 2009

England U21s 0-1 Ukraine U21s

England Shocked: Micah Richards is saddened after learning they will not progress through.

England U21s have been knocked out from the European U21 Championships after failing to beat a lucky Ukraine side, in Nicholas Lawton's first game in charge.

The result concludes that England's hopes of travelling to Sweden this Summer are over and both the England and U21 team's have been knocked out before even making it to the finals.

Nicholas Lawton's side were without the likes of Theo Walcott and Fraizer Campbell going into the game, and despite a strong performance, Ukraine were the side to get the goal that mattered.

England went close early on, when Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who started at right midfield for England, took the ball midway inside the Ukraine half, and cut in towards goal where he put a lovely through ball to team mate at Villa James Milner. But the ex Leeds midfielder couldn't direct his shot which was punched clear.

England went close again in the first half, Gabriel Agbonlahor creating the chance again.

The youngster took a ball and skipped past a Ukraine defender before whipping a curling ball in, which met the head of Everton striker James Vaughan, who narrowly headed over from 7 yards.

And at half time the two sides went in at 0-0, despite strong dominance from Nicholas Lawton's England side.

But just before the hour mark of the game, James Vaughan was forced to come off, and Crystal Palace youngster James Moses came on.

And another striker switch was made when Gabriel Agbonlahor was switched to his favoured striker role, and off went Sturridge, for Danny Guthrie, who took the right midfield position, where Agbonlahor was at before.

But it was England who conceded the only goal of the game, 63 minutes in, when Dnipro striker Eugene Shakhov struck in.

The goal came from a corner, which was put in straight towards James Milner. But the midfielder missed the ball with his head and fell through to Shakhov, who put it into the far corner, which not even England keeper Joe Hart could dive far enough to, or Dan Gosling's legs couldn't stop it from going in.

England went straight back to their attacking mode, and Dan Gosling saw a 25 yard volley go high and wide, after a lay off from James Milner.

There were just 3 minutes of injury time to save England, and even a point would have been enough to take them through on goal difference, and then The Three Lions seemed destined to score.

92 minutes in, James Milner was awarded a freekick after going down. It was from 23 yards and was a perfect position.

By the time the whistle blew for it to be taken, England were 15 seconds over time, and the whole of Wembley seemed to fall silent.

But, the pressure got to Milner, and, was about to realise that he had cost England's hopes of making it to the finals.

England - Hart, Gosling, Grounds, Richards, Wheater, Agbonlahor, Milner, Cattermole, Johnson, Vaughan, Sturridge.

Ukraine - Savik, Bopp, Rakitskyi, Imerekov, Korotetskyi, Lyopa, Yakovenko, Vladov, Stepanenko, Kravets, Kartushov.

[Nic]

Page last updated at 13:48 GMT, Tuesday, 31st March 2009

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Alan Hansen's column

England were knocked out of the European Championships early.

England are out of the European Championships before even progressing to the finals - again - but this time its the U21 squad which fails to get to the finals.

Nicholas Lawton's 1st game in charge ends in a very disappointing one, which I know he will be cursing himself for.

England played very well, but the defence was all over the place when it counted, and they got that goal.

If you wanted to know who our worst player was it has to be James Milner by a country mile. The lad didn't turn up on the day, it was his fault they scored, he missed a great chance, and the most biggest of set pieces this year.

Gabriel Agbonlahor was the only one that turned up if im honest. He was the healthy fish in an ill pond in this case, because all of them are big enough.

He made a wonder ball to Milner which was very impressive, and gave Vaughan a great chance.

Nicholas Lawton's side have proved they can be strong tonight with their performance but they need to get a new defence out there.

Performing is nothing if you don't score in football though, and this is the case with Lawton's U21s.

I can't blame Lawton for us not going through, in the end he only had one game to save England which was a very big task considering it was his first game as manager, at Wembley.

However, I don't know whether Lawton is the hero an England side has been looking for or not, although first signs show his side are very good at keeping possession, but they need to score using it.

There is certainly no need for him to be sacked, it was his first game, and when your side are performing, the goals must come soon.

Nicholas Lawton is probably considering bringing in an assistant manager, although in his first 3 months he's had just the help of his goalkeeper and fitness coaches and a normal coach.

I think given a few games Lawton will start turning things around at England, like he helped do at Valencia this season and last, good luck to him.

[Nic]

Page last updated 31st May 2009 16:59 UK

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Lawton confirms England U21 Squad

Jack Rodwell is included in the squad.

England Under 21's manager Nicholas Lawton has confirmed his side of 26 players which will play against Serbia and Andorra in the European Championships 2011 qualifications.

Lawton welcomes back Theo Walcott who missed out in England's 1-0 defeat at Wembley to Ukraine, and the striker is sure to want to return with a goal.

Many are now too old to play for the England U21's, and won't play again under the competition rules. The list of leaving England players include stars like Gabriel Agbonlahor, Joe Hart and James Milner.

Lawton is set to give a debut to Aberdeen goalkeeper John Bateman, who is the only goalkeeper in the squad.

First caps could also be given to 13, including Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana, who bagged 13 goals last season with Southampton.


Goalkeepers:

John Bateman

Defenders:

Micah Richards
Michael Mancienne
Kyle Naughton
Dan Gosling
Jack Cork
Jonathan Grounds
Krystian Pearce
Jack Rodwell
Joe Mattock
Kieran Gibbs
Ryan Bertrand

Midfielders:

Lee Cattermole
Michael Johnson
Michael Woods
Fabian Delph
Adam Lallana
Victor Moses
Mark Randall

Forwards:

Theo Walcott
Daniel Sturridge
James Vaughan
Andy Carroll
Martyn Waghorn
Danny Welbeck
Nathan Delfouneso

England U21s V Serbia U21s - Away 5th June.
England U21s V Andorra U21s - Home 9th June.

[.Jay]

One goalkeeper? Crap....risky strategy, there.

[Nic]

Page last updated 5th June 2009 18:59 UK

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Serbia U21s 1-3 England U21s

Michael Mancienne scored against Serbia.

England U21s record their first victory under Nicholas Lawton, beating Serbia U21s even after going one nil down in the European U21 Championships 2011 Qualifying.

England made a slow start to the game and Serbia made an advantage on this. Petar Skuletic saw his shot form the edge of the area go over the goal, and Skuletic saw another shot fly over 7 minutes in.

But Serbia scored first to put further doubt to Nicholas Lawton's managerial abilities. Marinkovic volleyed a Milenovic ball into the hand of John Bateman, but the Aberdeen youngster couldn't punch it wide, and it curled in.

But England took the goal as a wake up call and as soon as they kicked off Leicester full back Joe Mattock skipped down the wing and won England a corner.

And then 16 minutes in England had a penalty appeal turned down. James Vaughan took a ball into the box but his shirt was clearly pulled and the striker went down, but referee Sascher Kever waved it away.

And then Serbia keeper Stepandic made a great save. Sheffield United's Kyle Naughton played a ball down the right which met James Vaughan, who took it to the byline and whipped a ball into the 6 yard box, where Theo Walcott took the ball on the bounce and volleyed towards goal, but Stepandic managed to turn it wide for a corner.

But 26 minutes in England had an equaliser. Arsenal striker Theo Walcott sped down the wing before cutting in an putting a shot into the hand of Stepandic who punched away, but unfortunately for him, it made contact with James Vaughan's foot, and edged in.

It was England U21s first goal under Nicholas Lawton, in the second game of asking, and Vaughan celebrated with his team mates.

But just two minutes later James Vaughan had to limp off for some treatment on his ankle after going down, but came back on with a slight limp.

And at half time the two sides went in with one goal apiece.

4 minutes into the second half England could easily have taken the lead. Theo Walcott put a corner in towards the head of Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson, who couldn't direct it, and headed wide.

But England took the lead for the first time under Nicholas Lawton 56 minutes in. Walcott put a corner in which was lifted into the box where Serbia failed to head clear and the ball fell to the back post where Michael Mancienne tapped in.

61 minutes in Michael Vaughan, who was limping even more now, shot wide of goal, after a Micah Richards cross.

And with 15 minutes left to play, both James Vaughan and Michael Johnson came off for Victor Moses and Southampton's Lallana.

And just 5 minutes after coming on, Victor Moses had his first ever England U21s goal, in just his second appearance, and second also from the bench.

Joe Mattock brought the ball forward and played it across to Lee Cattermole, who played it first time to Danny Welbeck, who went 30 yards out, before putting a brilliant through ball to the well positioned Victor Moses, who took one touch towards the keeper before slotting it into the left hand corner, and the victory was secured.

Serbia tried to fight back after Ignjovski sent a volley wide of the goal after finding his way one on one with the keeper.

Adam Lallana made his first run in the England U21s team a good one. He took the ball from 30 yards out before running into the heart of Serbia's defence, before seeing a venomous shot punched over for a corner by Stepandic.

Two minutes of injury time were added, but neither side managed to make use of it, and a match in which saw Nicholas Lawton get his first victory as a manager and England take 1st place in their qualifying group come to a close.

England - Bateman, Naughton, Mattock, Richards, Mancienne, Walcott, Gibbs, Cattermole, Johnson (Lallana 75'), Welbeck, Vaughan (Moses 75').

Serbia - Stepandic, Miljkovic, Subotic, Rajkovic, Miulenovic, Nikolic, Radovanovic, Marinkovic, Ljajic, Bosanic, Skuletic.

[shan0811]

Great win over Serbia, just a question are you managing the under 21 side on Fm 2009? If eas then how did you do that?

[Nic]

Vaughan Out For Three Weeks

Last Updated: 7th June 2009

Campbell Replaces Vaughan for England U21s

Campbell In: Frazier Campbell will replace Vaughan For The Match Against Andorra

Everton striker James Vaughan will miss out in England's game against Andorra on the 9th June and is out for three weeks.

Manchester United striker Frazier Campbell will replace Vaughan in the England side which is currently top of Group 9 in the Qualifications for the European U21 Championships in 2011.

Campbell was part of the England squad that lost 1-0 to Ukraine U21s, and was left out of the squad for the Serbia and Andorra games originally but makes a return after having a good season in the few games he played while on loan at Spurs last season.

Vaughan will be out for up to three weeks, and had no chance of playing in the next game, but his agent blames England U21 manager Nicholas Lawton for missing the next game.

"He (Lawton) knew that James was injured as he was obviously injured early in the game.

"But he decided to let James carry on playing despite the pain in his ankle which was getting more worse and worse as the game went on.

"Eventually he came off but it was about 60 minutes after the injury happened, and had he been able to come off, Vaughan would be playing the next game against Andorra, but he now misses most of his Summer, and a chance to impress against Andorra."

Nicholas Lawton is yet to comment on the matter, but is believed to have been unaware at the time Vaughan was under pain, after England's physio didn't say whether he was hurting or not.

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shan0811, on Jun 29 2009, 09:44 PM, said:

Great win over Serbia, just a question are you managing the under 21 side on Fm 2009? If eas then how did you do that?

Yes I am, basicly when you start putting in your name and all and you go to pick team just search england and then go to U21s squad and click take control on the side bar and it should let you take control of them :thup:

[Nic]

Page last updated 9th June 2009 23:41 UK

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England U21s 4-0 Andorra U21s

Campbell celebrates one of his goals.

England Under 21s made their best display since Nicholas Lawton took over today as England demolished Andorra U21s 4-0 at The County Ground in Swindon.

Just 3 minutes in England had a great chance. Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs came forward and passed to Joe Mattock who fed the ball to Danny Welbeck who skipped past Andorra's Serrano before smashing the bar with a powerful shot.

And not before too long England took the lead. Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs hit a freekick from just past the half way line in Andorra's half which went all the way through to the penalty area where Michael Mancienne smacked a diving header into the top corner of the goal.

And 10 minutes later England went two goals ahead, with Frazier Campbell, who replaced James Vaughan in the side, getting the goal. Micah Richards took the ball forward before chipping into the box where Frazier Campbell took control and rounded the keeper, before slotting it into the middle of the goal.

And on the 39th minute, England went three up. Frazier Campbell got the goal again. Sheffield United's Kyle Naughton ran down the wing, going past two Andorra players on the way, and put a curling ball into the box, which Campbell took on his chest on the edge of the box, went past Fernandez, and putting the ball out of the goalkeepers reach into the far corner.

Just one minute of injury time was added but neither side hadany chances in it and England went in with a comfortable 3-0 lead.

13 minutes into the second half Frazier Campbell almost got his hat-trick, which he was beginning to deserve.

Johnson was given space to run into with the ball by the backing off Andorra players, before picking up Frazier Campbell with a fine ball, but the strikers shot went too high, after aiming for the top corner with the outside of his foot.

But 4 minutes later England had a fourth. Manchester City's Micah Richards eventually getting the goal after a rushed clearance.

Gibbs took a corner for England which Frazier Campbell couldn't get his head on to, and it fell through to a defender. But Campbell swung his foot in the air and the shot was punched clear by the keeper, but it hit England's Michael Mancienne on the back, and fell through towards the back post, where Micah Richards managed to slide his foot in, and got England another goal.

On the 72nd minute Welbeck had a great chance. The striker unleashed a fierce shot from 20 yards out after a long ball from Michael Johnson, but it went just over.

And on the 77th minute, England keeper John Bateman made his first save of the game. Andorra's Pages jumped high with Kyle Naughton for the ball and won it with his head, which found its way to Lozano, who lost his man and found plenty of room before shooting, but Bateman managed to tip it away with the edge of his fingertip with a great dive.

But England had the last big chance of the game. Joe Mattock put a curling ball into the box where Frazier Campbell volleyed a perfect shot towards goal, but Santiago made an amazing save to keep the Manchester United striker out, diving before using his head to make it bounce into his awaiting hand, where he prounced on it.

Just one minute of injury time was added on, but at full time, England secured their first clean sheet under Lawton, 7 goals in 2 games, and a 4-0 win.

[Nic]

No more updates today I'm afraid as i have to skip to September until my next game now which will take a while holidaying. But some coming tomorrow :thup:

[Ana_Garcia]

Delphinho, on Jun 29 2009, 10:01 PM, said:

Yes I am, basicly when you start putting in your name and all and you go to pick team just search england and then go to U21s squad and click take control on the side bar and it should let you take control of them :thup:

OMG! I never knew you could do that! Thanks for the info, I may give an under 21 side a try!

Good story too

[Nic]

Well I've had at least 4 questions on how to make yourself England U21 manager now, and even though ive explained already, here is a detailed explanation for you dummies who can't figgure it out

1) Go to 'New User'
2) Add your manager details without using the wizard
3) When you are asked to pick a club ignore this list and search 'England' on your sidebar's tool.
4) Click on England when the search is finished
5) The England national squad will come onto your screen, on your sidebar you have the option to go the the 'England U21' squad.
6) Click this, and the U21s squad will come to your screen.
7) On the bottom of your sidebar now you should have two options, being 'Take Control', and 'Pick as Favourite team.' Click 'Take Control'.
8)It should take you back to step 1, but it will have England U21s selected as the team you take control of.
9) Create User. This process can be repeated for any other countries.

Detailed enough?

[Felton]

Delphinho, on Jun 30 2009, 08:30 PM, said:

Well I've had at least 4 questions on how to make yourself England U21 manager now, and even though ive explained already, here is a detailed explanation for you dummies who can't figgure it out

1) Go to 'New User'
2) Add your manager details without using the wizard
3) When you are asked to pick a club ignore this list and search 'England' on your sidebar's tool.
4) Click on England when the search is finished
5) The England national squad will come onto your screen, on your sidebar you have the option to go the the 'England U21' squad.
6) Click this, and the U21s squad will come to your screen.
7) On the bottom of your sidebar now you should have two options, being 'Take Control', and 'Pick as Favourite team.' Click 'Take Control'.
8)It should take you back to step 1, but it will have England U21s selected as the team you take control of.
9) Create User. This process can be repeated for any other countries.

Detailed enough?

So....how does that go again? :daydream:

+ KIU! with the story :thup:

[Fola]

This is good, keep it up ... :thup:

[LisaPar]

Yeah i like it! Keep it going.

[Nic]

Thanks for all the comments! Glad your enjoying the story!

Page last updated 30th August 2009 16:59 UK

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England U21 Squad Confirmed

Kieran Gibbs and Jack Rodwell celebrate a goal together; and both are included in the squad.

England U21s manager Nicholas Lawton has picked his third squad since taking over in January, which will face Hungary U21s in the European Championships 2011 Qualifying.

Lawton makes five changes to the squad that beat both Serbia U21s and Andorra U21s 3-1 and 4-0, with all Fred Sears, Danny Rose, Jack Wilshere, Mark Beevers and Scott Loach included in the squad this time.

Lawton picked just one goalkeeper last time, but the controversial selection backed him and John Bateman, who plays for Aberdeen, conceding just one goal in the two games.

England currently lie in 2nd place in their group, with all 3 points taken from their first game, which was against Serbia, and despite going 1-0 down early on, won 3-1 with goals from James Vaughan, Michael Mancienne and Victor Moses.

Estonia's U21s are at first place at the moment, after winning 5-1 against Hungary, who England now face, with 2 more goal difference than England.

England are by far favourites for the win after the massive loss, and with weather as high as 28 degrees Celsius expected on the pitch, we could be in for a hot game.

Goalkeepers

Scott Loach
John Bateman

Defenders

Michael Mancienne
Micah Richards
Kyle Naughton
Dan Gosling
Jack Cork
Jonathan Grounds
Mark Beevers
Jack Rodwell
Kieran Gibbs

Midfielders

Lee Cattermole
Fabian Delph
Michael Johnson
Michael Woods
Jack Wilshere
Danny Rose
Adam Lallana
Mark Randall

Strikers

Victor Moses
Febian Brandy
Nathan Delfouneso
Fred Sears
James Vaughan
Martyn Waghorn
Danny Welbeck

[Nic]

Page last updated 4th September 2009 22:31 UK

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England U21s 4-1 Hungary U21s

England U21s celebrate going 3-0 up.

England U21s today gave Nicholas Lawton his third win as manager, beating Hungary U21s 4-1 at The Bescot Stadium in Walsall.

England took the lead just one minute into the game through Jack Wilshere who was on his debut at the time. The Arsenal midfielder took the ball from Fred Sears before going forward, cutting in towards the box, skinning a defender, taking the ball to the D and curling a shot into the top corner.

England almost went 2-0 up 6 minutes in after Jack Wilshere repeated his move which saw him score, but this time found ex Leeds winger Danny Rose. But Rose's shot went past the keeper, and the goal.

18 minutes in and Manchester City defender Micah Richards was booked. The defender went in hard and despite a protest he was given the card.

England went 2-0 up on the 22nd minute through Lee Cattermole. The Wigan midfielder got the ball from a Danny Rose throw in, controlled into the box, and unleashed a powerful shot into the top left hand corner.

And on the 27th minute left back Kieran Gibbs was forced to come off, and Jack Rodwell came on, but Kyle Naughton was switched to left back and Richards to right back with Rodwell in the centre back position with Michael Mancienne.

On the 36th minute England looked to have secured the win. Michael Vaughan got his head onto a cross which fell to the back post where Danny Rose slid in to stop it going wide, and found the goal.

One minute of injury time was to be played but at half time England went in 3-0 up.

Lee Cattermole had a great chance to put England 4-0 up. Vaughan won a freekick from about 22 yards out and Planeta was shown a booking for the foul, but Cattermole slipped as he stood up for the freekick and it went well wide.

But 80 minutes in Hungary got one back.Johnson lost the ball to Planeta who cleared it away towards Michael Mancienne. But Mancienne missed the interception and Simon was allowed to go through one on one with Englan's keeper Bateman, who ran towards the ball, but found it chipped over his head, and into the goal.

Two minutes later England made a double substitution. Fred Sears came off for Victor Moses who scored in England's 4-0 win against Andorra. Michael Johnson was brought off for Leeds youngster Fabian Delph.

And just one minute after coming on Delph had a chance. The centre midfielder tried smashing a volley from 30 yards but it went over after a Micah Richards throw in.

But on the 85th minute Delph had his goal. Balogh gave away a freekick after tripping over Victor Moses. Jack Wilshere whipped the freekick in where it met the head of Fabian Delph who reached the top of the goal to make it 4-1, and a certain win for England.

And even with the three minutes added on, neither side managed to get the 6th goal of the game, and the full time whistle was blown, but England are now three points clear in their group even with Estonia having a game in hand.

[Nic]

Page last updated 4th October 2009 22:31 UK

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Lawton announces U21 squad

Loach is called up remembering this mistake.

England U21s are ready for their games against both Estonia and Liechtenstein U21s after coach Nicholas Lawton announced his 26-man squad.

West Ham defender James Tomkins is given his first England U21s call up, and Theo Walcott is back in the squad after missing out last time through injury.

Scott Loach is included in the squad, with John Bateman the fellow keeper in the 26, and the only main player missing out is Manchester United's Danny Welbeck, who is with the U19s.

Leicester left back Joe Mattock is back in the squad, coming back from a shoulder injury, and is expected to start against Estonia.

Goalkeepers

John Bateman
Scott Loach

Defenders

Michael Mancienne
Micah Richards
Kyle Naughton
Dan Gosling
Jack Cork
Mark Beevers
James Tomkins
Jack Rodwell
Joe Mattock
Kieran Gibbs

Midfielders

Lee Cattermole
Fabian Delph
Michael Johnson
Jack Wilshere
Danny Rose
John Bostock
Adam Lallana
Theo Walcott

Forwards

Victor Moses
Febian Brandy
Andy Carroll
Nathan Delfouneso
Fred Sears
James Vaughan