Terrific Tammy makes his mark

A brace from Tammy Abraham helped inspire England to a 5-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final Euro qualifier at Walsall’s Banks Stadium.

Tottenham midfielder Josh Onomah scored on his first cap for the under 21’s, Bristol City’s in form forward Abraham got his two goals on his first start for the side whilst Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden was awarded his first cap. Luton goalkeeper Christian Walton was also given his first cap as regular under 21’s stopper Jordan Pickford had been a late call up to the senior side.

The young lions had already qualified for next summer’s championships in Poland which gave newly appointed manager Aidy Boothroyd the chance to rotate his side. Boothroyd thrived at the chance by making nine changes from his last team that beat Kazakhstan on Thursday.

Reading midfielder John Swift put the hosts ahead early in the first half with a fantastic dipping shot from just outside the penalty box. He was picked out by a great pass from Aston Villa forward Jack Grealish who was only getting started on what turned out to be a man of the match performance by the 21 year old.

Abraham then grabbed his first goal minutes later; a distanced shot from Onomah forced a good save from Bosnia ‘keeper Kenan Piric but the ball fell to Abraham who got his first under 21’s goal with an acrobatic and stylish finish from close range.

The hosts’ started the second half in similar fashion and they got their third goal minutes after the break.  A very brave diving header from Grealish got the ball to debutant Onomah who turned onto his stronger right side and drilled a shot into the bottom corner from just inside the box.

Man of the match Grealish then secured his hat trick of assists just after the hour mark when a cleverly dinked pass from him cleared the visiting defence and sent Sunderland’s Duncan Watmore through on goal and he coolly slotted the ball past Piric in the Bosnia net.

First time starter Abraham then got his brace and Watmore turned to provider for the hosts final goal as his through ball found England’s number nine who audaciously chipped Piric to round of his fantastic performance upfront.

The win gives Aidy Boothroyd a lot to think about going into Euro 2017 in Poland and there are some serious selection Dilemma’s due to the range of talent to choose from with seven currently capped senior players being eligible for the under 21 side.