England Under-21s have moved nine points clear at the top of their European Championships qualifying group courtesy of a 3-1 win over Wales Under-21s at the Liberty Stadium this evening.
The visitors carved out an early chance to take the lead when James Ward-Prowse and Jesse Lingard combined to set up Nathan Redmond, but the winger sliced his effort wide.
Redmond turned provider in the 10th minute as he picked out Lingard with a cross, only for the Manchester United youngster to nod over the crossbar.
England continued to push for the opening goal and eventually got it in the 18th minute as Redmond stole the ball off a dawdling Lloyd Isgrove before slotting his effort past the keeper.
They were ahead for less than two minutes, however, as Wales struck back immediately when Gwion Edwards was left unmarked in the box to nod a corner past Jack Butland.
The goal sparked the hosts into life and they almost completed a turnaround midway through the half as Lee Evans drew a fingertip stop from Butland.
The England keeper was forced into action again just five minutes later, although Wes Burns made it easier for the Stoke City man by firing his shot straight at him.
The visitors were left wondering how they didn't regain their lead moments later as Lingard was denied from close range twice in quick succession by a fine Connor Roberts double save.
The keeper could do nothing about England's second goal, however, as Redmond doubled his personal tally with seven minutes of the first half remaining by firing a crisp strike home from 20 yards.
Thomas Ince came close to adding a third after the break before Redmond also threatened, volleying an effort just past the post 10 minutes after the restart.
The Norwich City man came within inches of grabbing a hat-trick on the hour mark, beating two defenders only to see his low shot come back off the post.
England continued to threaten and the hosts had Roberts to thank for the deficit remaining at one goal, with the keeper denying Lingard on two occasions.
The points were finally wrapped up in second-half stoppage time as Redmond capped a fine individual performance with his third goal of the evening, converting from just inside the area to complete his hat-trick.
