After a stellar 2–0 triumph in their opening group match, England were in a strong position heading into the second fixture against Israel, with the Young Lions’ gaze now firmly fixed on a knockout berth. Settling into an early rhythm against the relative outsiders, England probed throughout the first period, before taking the lead in stylish fashion midway through the half.
Morgan Gibbs-White, often the source of England’s attacking threat, picked out Anthony Gordon inside the penalty area, with the Newcastle United forward on hand to power a header beyond Daniel Peretz in the Israeli goal.
It was the high point of a comfortable half for England, who entered the break with a slender, but deserved, 1-0 lead.
With their noses in front, the second-half objective for England was to find a second goal that would wrap qualification for the last-16 up with a game to spare.
While they dominated possession, the Israeli backline stood firm, denying England a clear sight of goal.
As such, it was perhaps no surprise when their second of the evening came from range, with Emile Smith Rowe rifling home from just outside the penalty area to give Carsley’s side the breathing space they desperately craved.
A statement strike from the Arsenal midfielder, who will have no doubt impressed Mikel Arteta with his classy finish.
From thereon in, the writing was on the wall for Israel, who despite their best efforts failed to trouble an unbothered James Trafford in the England goal.
With one point to their name, Israel’s hopes of qualification will carry over to the final group game, where they’ll need to beat Czech Republic to have any hopes of progressing into the last-16.
As for England, their clash against Germany in Matchday 3 now becomes somewhat of a non-event, as Carsley will be able to field a rotated side ahead of the knockouts kicking off next week.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Emile Smith Rowe (England)
