JOHN AND O'SULLIVAN FEATURE AS WALES U-21S DEFEATED BY ENGLAND

Cardiff City’s Declan John and Tommy O’Sullivan featured for Wales’ Under-21s as they were defeated by England at the Liberty Stadium.

Starting the game at left-back, City’s Young Player of the Season John played the full 90 minutes for Geraint Williams’ side while O’Sullivan came on as a 42nd minute substitute.

Having previously sliced an early near post effort wide, it was Norwich City’s Nathan Redmond who gave England the lead with just 18 minutes gone, making the most of a loose Lloyd Isgrove back pass by slotting the ball home.

Wales instantly responded however as Bristol City’s Wes Burns forced Butland into a smart save before Gwion Edwards rose highest to head home the equaliser from the resultant corner. 

Geraint Williams’ side soon had the chance to take the lead as Southampton’s Isgrove went one-on-one with ‘keeper Butland only to see the Stoke City stopper deny his ambitiously chipped effort. 

Gareth Southgate’s men soon regained the lead however with that man Redmond getting his second of the night, once again making the most of some loose Welsh passing at the back before slotting home past goalkeeper Connor Roberts.

City’s Tommy O’Sullivan came on just before the interval, replacing Fulham’s Josh Pritchard with just three first-half minutes remaining.

A slower start to the second half saw England enjoy large period of possession as the storms rolled into the Liberty Stadium. After his hat-trick Redmond hit the upright on the hour mark before Connor Roberts was at hand to deny a Lingard solo effort.

There was to be no denying Redmond in the end though as he scored his best of the night just before full-time, completing his first ever senior hat-trick and secure all three points for England at the Liberty Stadium.

Wales U-21s: Roberts, Freeman (Alfei 45), John, Lucas, Ray, Walsh, Edwards, Pritchard (O’Sullivan 42), Burns, Evans, Isgrove (Williams 40). Subs not used: Ward, Fox, Loveridge, Ogleby.

England U-21s: Butland, Jenkinson, Garbutt, Chalobah, Keane, Moore, Ince (Kane 79 (Forster-Caskey 85)), Ward-Prowse, Ings (Berahino 55), Lingard, Redmond. Subs not used: Browning, Bond (GK), Forster-Caskey, Obita, Kane, March. 

Goals: Redmond (18,38,90)