Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Paul Clarke

Everton star Michael Keane scores first international goal to help England hammer Montenegro

Michael Keane scored his first international goal to help England cruise to a 5-1 victory over Montenegro on Monday night.

Keane powered home an equaliser after the hosts took the lead through Marko Vesovic before Ross Barkley bagged a brace and provided an assist.

Former Liverpool star Raheem Sterling also got on the scoresheet and assisted a goal for Harry Kane.

England controlled possession and looked the more threatening in the opening exchanges but were hit with a shock blow after 17 minutes when Vesovic curled the ball home from just inside the box with his right foot.

Michael Keane of England (5) celebrates as he scores his team's first goal during the 2020 UEFA European Championships Group A qualifying match between Montenegro and England (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The Three Lions were victims of their own downfall as Blues defender Keane failed to clear the ball on two occasions before it fell to Vesovic, who produced a fine finish which left Jordan Pickford with no chance.

The latest on Lucas Digne's injury as Everton defender returns to Finch Farm  

But England responded well and had levelled up the contest by the half hour. Former Everton player Barkley provided the excellent delivery and Keane headed home for the equaliser.

Stefan Mugosa forced a solid save from Pickford soon after before ex-Liverpool forward Sterling spurned an opportunity to head home, with the ball then cleared away after he attempted to shoot.

Ross Barkley of England (L) celebrates with Callum Hudson-Odoi after scoring his team's second goal during the 2020 UEFA European Championships Group A qualifying match between Montenegro and England (Michael Regan/Getty Images))

However, the visitors would soon have the lead after Callum Hudson-Odoi, who made his first start for the national side on the night, cut inside before his shot was cushioned into the net by Barkley.

Hudson-Odoi had a shot saved early in the second half before Fatos Beciraj should have done better from close range only to not find the target inside the six-yard box.

Thorgan Hazard, Ryan Fraser and the other surprise bargain signings Everton could make this summer  

Barkley added a third for England when he struck home inside the penalty box. Sterling assisted Kane for an easy finish before Sterling rounded off the scoring with ten minutes to go.

Everton's April Fixtures

The former Liverpool star celebrated by cupping his hand around his ear as he gestured towards the Montenegro fans.

It was alleged post-match that this was a response to racist abuse aimed at Tottenham Hotspur defender Danny Rose.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.