England ease past Ivory Coast

 

A much-changed England recorded an easy victory against 10-man Ivory Coast in a friendly at Wembley on Tuesday.

Gareth Southgate made ten changes from the squad that recorded a 2-1 win over Switzerland.

Ollie Watkins open the scoring for the hosts. The Aston Villa striker scored after a tap-in from Raheem Sterling’s low ball across the six-yard box.

The visitors were then reduced to ten men as Serge Aurier was sent for an early shower after a second yellow card.

Sterling, who captained the Three Lions for the third time, doubled England’s lead from close range.

Villa defender Tyrone Mings put the icing on the cake with a header. The striker scored from Phil Foden’s corner to cap a comfortable win for the home side.

It would have been goal number 4 for England as Jude Bellingham won a penalty. The decision was overturned after the referee viewed the pitchside monitor.

Harry Kane made a cameo as a second-half substitute. The Spurs forward did not get the chance to claim a 50th England goal on his 69th appearance for his country.

England will on Friday know their World Cup group opponents at the draw in Qatar. They will return to action against Hungary in Budapest for the UEFA Nations League encounter in June.

Although it was a low-key second half, England had scored twice, and the visitors went down to 10 men, Southgate will be pleased as he formulates and finalises his plans ahead of the World Cup in November.

With the win, England have, in matches, which have featured Jude Bellingham, extended their winning streak to 12.

Sterling, who assisted the opening goal, now has 18 assists for the Three Lions since his England international debut in November 2012. Thus, the Manchester City winger has registered more assists for England than any other player in the team.

England also extended their winning run against an African team to 14. They have also drew against African opposition six times.

 

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed