Chelsea and Liverpool stars shine as England U-21 beat Serbia U-21 9-1
Chelsea's Noni Madueke and Liverpool's Harvey Elliot bagged braces as England U21s romped to a 9-1 mauling of Serbia U21s on Thursday (October 12).
The Young Lions stormed their way to a decisive win over Serbia at Nottingham Forest's City Ground. Madueke and Elliot scored twice while Hull City wonderkid Jadon Philogene was also at the double.
However, it was Serbia who had taken the lead after 27 minutes when Vladimir Lucic netted an opener. That would be the only positive for Dusan Dordevic's men as England would soon run riot.
Philogene drew level in the 38th minute before Manchester City loanee Liam Delap put the hosts in front nine minutes later. Elliot was then on the scoresheet in the 45+6th minute.
Madueke grabbed a brace in the 53rd and 59th minutes before Luka Sobotic's 87th-minute own goal. Norwich City winger Jonathan Rowe scored England's eighth in the 89th minute before Elliot rounded up the 9-1 win in the 90+1st minute.
However, there was cause for concern in the 52nd minute when Chelsea's Cole Palmer signalled thaat he needed to come off. The Blues attacker was replaced by Newcastle United's Tivo Livramento.
Carsley gave an update on Palmer following the win (via the Evening Standard):
"There are a few bumps and bruises, and we will monitor Cole (Palmer), but we will not be taking any chances.”
The win means Lee Carsley's European champions remain perfect in Group C of their U-21 Euro 2025 qualifying group. The Young Lions have made a scintillating start to thei4 campaign with three wins from as many games.
Mauricio Pochettino provides update on Romeo Lavia injury after he snubbed Liverpool move for Chelsea
Romeo Lavia is yet to play for Chelsea since joining the west Londoners from Southampton in the summer for £58 million. The Belgian youngster has been nursing an ankle injury that has prevented him from making his debut.
Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has given an update on Lavia, 19, and it's not good news. He says that the former Saints teenager isn't expected to be back following the international break (via Liverpool World):
"Romeo still is not running, so I cannot tell you. After the international break, he is still not going to be ready."
Lavia snubbed a move to Liverpool for Chelsea in the summer despite the Reds agreeing a fee for the Belgian with Southampton. He opted to join Pochettino's side on a seven-year deal instead.