Spurs international watch: Incredible drama for England U21s
By Tom Vinall
On Friday night, England U21 faced Ukraine U21 in a must win game if they were to qualify for the U21 European Championships next summer. Archie Gray and Dane Scarlett were both in the squad for the game.
As you'd imagine, Gray was named in the starting XI, starting this one as a right-wing back, whilst Scarlett was named amongst the substitutes bench.
The Spurs teenager played the first 64 minutes of the game, in a fairly unassuming display, picking up a booking along the way. It is a shame for the teenager that he is still unable to get minutes in his preferred midfield role, having played all across the defence for Ange so far this season.
Just six minutes after Gray was withdrawn, Ukraine took the lead and the three lions' chances of playing at the U21 Euros next summer were all but over as it stood.
With six minutes left, and England still a goal down, Scarlett replaced midfielder Jack Hinshelwood as manager Ben Futcher threw the kitchen sink at it to try and rescue a result and keep qualification hopes alive.
Three minutes after Scarlett was introduced, England were level. Manchester City midfielder James McAtee scored with a free-kick, and paid tribute to his former Sheffield United team mate George Baldock, who tragically passed away this week, aged 31.
Two minutes into the five added on, McAtee made it 2-1 to England with his second goal of the game, and they were able to hold onto a hugely important win that keeps their slim chances of qualification alive.
So, how do things look now? England have 22 points from their nine games, whilst Ukraine have 24 points from theirs. There is one game to go. England will host Azerbajain on Tuesday at 19:30 BST. Ukraine will face Serbia at the exact same time.
England lost 3-2 to Ukraine earlier in qualification, along with the 2-1 win tonight. As a result, the head-to-head record cannot be separated. Therefore, the next tiebreaker, goal difference, comes into play, where England's is superior. So, if England beat Azerbajan and Ukraine draw to Serbia, England will win the group and head to the European Championship on goal difference.
All to play for, let's see what happens on the final matchday