England U19 3-0 Spain U19: Trent Alexander-Arnold scores brace to seal place at European Championship

  • Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold opened the scoring after nine minutes 
  • Alexander-Arnold doubled England's lead with 26 minutes left to play on Friday 
  • Arsenal's Chris Willock sealed England's place in the European Championship 
  • The 2017 European Championship this summer will be held in Georgia 

England comfortably made it past Spain on Friday to seal their passage to the Under 19 European Championship in Georgia this summer.

Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold was the star of the match at St George's Park as he scored twice despite being played in defence.

The rapid full back put Keith Downing's England ahead inside 10 minutes when he fired past Spain goalkeeper Daniel Martin Fernandez at the near post.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring the opening goal

Trent Alexander-Arnold is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring the opening goal

Chris Willock's 86th minute strike secured England's passage to the European Championship

Chris Willock's 86th minute strike secured England's passage to the European Championship

England are top of Group 3 at the Elite Round stage of European Championship qualification

England are top of Group 3 at the Elite Round stage of European Championship qualification

MATCH FACTS 

England: Ramsdale; Alexander-Arnold, Oxford, Chalobah, DaSilva, Mount, Davies (Field, 80), Sterling, Sessegnon (Willock, 74), Edun, Brereton (Buckley-Ricketts, 85)

Subs not used: Nmecha, Whiteman, Suliman, Edwards

Goals: Alexander-Arnold (9, 64), Willock (86)

Booked: Ramsdale, Davies 

Spain: Martin; Cucu, Martin, Galardon (Amo, 45), Alena; Diaz, Oscar, Pozo (Mboula, 45); Bunuel, Pepelu (Gomez, 45), Garcia 

Subs not used: Llorente, Garcia, Lozano, Avila Gordon 

Booked: Diaz, Pozo, Amo 

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The 18-year-old is greatly admired by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp who has given the player chances to impress in the first team.


This display would only have helped cement the thought that Alexander-Arnold is developing into a fine defender.

Indeed, he demonstrated his attacking potency with 26 minutes remaining when he drove down the right flank before passing to Chelsea's Dujon Sterling.

Sterling darted into the Spain penalty area before being taken down by Cucu.

A penalty was awarded by referee Bastian Dankert and Alexander-Arnold converted from the spot.

The win and the crucial three points were secured four minutes before full-time. 

Arsenal striker Chris Willock came on as a second half substitute and made sure of his impact when he scored from close range.  

England will play Belarus on Monday in their last Group 3 Elite Round match. 

Everton youngster Tom Davies captained Keith Downing's side on Friday afternoon

Everton youngster Tom Davies captained Keith Downing's side on Friday afternoon

Fulham's talented full back Ryan Sessegnon put in another promising display for England

Fulham's talented full back Ryan Sessegnon put in another promising display for England

England's players walk out at St George's Park in Burton upon Trent on Friday afternoon

England's players walk out at St George's Park in Burton upon Trent on Friday afternoon

Chelsea's Trevor Chalobah shows quick feet to nip past Spain's Oscar in the second half

Chelsea's Trevor Chalobah shows quick feet to nip past Spain's Oscar in the second half

Willock sprints away after securing England's win over Spain on Friday

Willock sprints away after securing England's win over Spain on Friday