Milner & Kilgallon Both Shine For U-20's

Last updated : 10 October 2003 By Kevin Markey
Goals from Michael Chopra and David Bentley gave England a 2-0 victory over their Czech opponents, setting them up nicely for Dubai and the World Youth Championships next month.

Milner caught the eye with his pace down the left, Steven Taylor and Kilgallon were assured at the back and David Bentley busied himself in midfield.

A crowd of over 5,000 at Stevenage Borough turned out and they did not wait long for the first goal after only 5 minutes.

The young Czech 'keeper made a bad error when he crashed a clearance against Chopra, and he was left embarrassed as the ball looped up over his head into the net, giving England the softest of goals.

When Milner's speed left the Czech right-back for dead he picked out captain Gary O'Neil with a perfect pass on the edge of the box.

O'Neil laid the ball square to Chopra, and his pull-back found Justin Hoyte racing into the box, but the Arsenal full-back could only guide his shot wide of the post, almost 2-0.

England made three changes at half-time, and just a minute later did make it 2-0. Again Milner's pace down the left creating a chance.

David Bentley took the ball twenty-five yards out curling an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Two goals at the start of each half finished the Czech's off.

Milner played the first hour or so on the left wing and looked sharp. Food for thought for Peter Reid.

He also got an excellent ovation when he was substituted. His stint on loan to Swindon has obviously helped him come along.

Kilgallon played the full game at centre-back and really impressed. He won more-or-less everything in the air and was strong in the tackle.

The York-born defender is currently on loan at First Division West Ham, but he looks destined to be an accomplished player when he makes the breakthrough into the first team on last night's performance.

The similarities to Jonathan Woodgate don't end with his features.

England Team: Andrew Lonergan (Lenny Pidgeley - h/t), Justin Hoyte (Ben Bowditch - 56mins), James McEverley (Chris Carruthers - h/t, Brian Howard - 63mins), Darren Carter, Steven Taylor, Matthew Kilgallon, Jerome Thomas (Lee Croft - h/t), Gary O'Neil (c) (Eddie Johnson - 75mins), Michael Chopra (Tommy Wright - 56mins), David Bentley (Stephen Cooke - 75mins), James Milner (David Fox - 63mins)