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England national football team
U21 Friendlies
Jun 11, 2015 at 8.20pm UK
 

1-0

Gibson (83')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Zolotov (81')

Late Ben Gibson strike enough for England Under-21s to overcome Belarus Under-21s

England Under-21s struggle to break down a resolute Belarus Under-21s side, but finally find a way through late on courtesy of Ben Gibson.

Ben Gibson's strike seven minutes from time has given England Under-21s a welcome 1-0 victory over Belarus Under-21s in their final Euro 2015 warm-up match.

The game was delayed by around 35 minutes due to the visiting side getting caught up in traffic near Oakwell, but Gareth Southgate's men appeared to be fired up.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek of England battles with Yaraslau Yarotski of Belarus during the International Match between England U21 and Belarus U21 at Oakwell Stadium on June 11, 2015© Getty Images

Saido Berahino was given the nod to lead the attacking line for the Young Lions this evening, and the West Bromwich Albion forward thought that he had prodded home the opening goal inside eight minutes, only for the flag to be raised for offside.

England continued to probe away as the first half progressed, Berahino again at the end of an attacking move as his shot was firmly saved.

There was to be no way through in a goalless opening 45 minutes, however, as the red wall provided by Belarus remained firm to keep their opponents out.

Despite making a couple of changes at the break England, who are among the favourites to prevail at the upcoming Euros, continued to struggle when it came to breaking Igor Kovalevich's men down.

They were handed a lifeline of sorts when Mikhail Zolatau was shown his marching orders for picking up a second yellow card, and just two minutes later Southgate's charges were ahead.

Luke Garbutt's free kick was not properly dealt with, allowing Gibson to fire home the winning goal late on.

Substitute Danny Ings came close to doubling that tally in the remaining time, but he was unable to find a way through on a testing night for the Young Lions.

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Head coach of England Gareth Southgate is seen before the international friendly match between U21 Czech Republic and U21 England at Letna Stadium on March 27, 2015
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