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Macedonia U21 vs England U21. European Under-21 Championship Qualifying Group I.

Attendance2,000.

Macedonia U21 1

  • A Ibraimi (34th minute)

England U21 2

  • F Sears (68th minute)
  • L Cattermole (83rd minute pen)

England U21 make winning start

Image: Sears: Equalising goal

England Under 21s kicked off their new qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in Macedonia.

Sears and Cattermole score in 2-1 victory

England Under 21s kicked off their new qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in Macedonia. Bidding to make it through to the 2011 European Championship, Stuart Pearce's youngsters had to come from behind after being stunned by Agim Ibraimi's opener in Prilep. Freddie Sears drew England level midway through the second half and Lee Cattermole then sealed the three points with a late penalty. Cattermole had a shot well-saved by Kristjian Naumovski early on, and soon afterwards he had an opening goal ruled out for offside. Macedonia's Ibraimi tested Scott Loach with one free-kick; then in the 34th minute, he made no mistake in similar circumstances as he put his team in front. Macedonia should have scored again when another Ibraimi free-kick was not dealt with and fell to Marko Ivanovski - whose shot was blocked by Loach.

Important stop

Sears came on at half-time for Fabrice Muamba, but the first meaningful action was another important stop by Loach - this time from a shot by substitute Muzafer Ejupi. Next, though, a Junior Stanislas corner was not cleared - allowing Danny Rose to head the ball into the path of Jack Rodwell. He flicked it on to Sears, who beat Naumovski from six yards to level the scores in the 68th minute. Sears hit the side-netting with another effort shortly afterwards but England did not have to wait too long as they won a penalty on 83 minutes. The big chance came when substitute Jack Wilshere was fouled in the area close to the byline - and Cattermole duly scored from the spot.

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