Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matt Maltby

Montenegro 1-5 England: Ross Barkley hits brace - 5 talking points

England produced yet another scintillating performance to overcome Montenegro and make it two wins out of two in their 2020 European Championship qualifying campaign.

Despite a promising start from the Three Lions, it was the hosts, from their first threatening attack, who took the lead when Marko Vesovic coolly bent an effort past the outstretched Jordan Pickford.

But Michael Keane, who had been caught out badly for the Montenegro goal, made amends as he rose at the back-post to head the Three Lions level from Ross Barkley's free-kick.

Barkley then turned home Callum Hudson-Odoi's strike from close-range to give the visitors the lead for the first time - and the Chelsea star then doubled his tally in the second half with an easy finish inside the Montenegro box.

Harry Kane got amongst the goals with an easy tap-in for the fourth before Raheem Sterling, who assisted the England skipper, then grabbed his fourth goal in two games to add further gloss to the scoreline.

Here, Mirror Sport takes a look at five talking points from the entertaining Monday night encounter.

England's Ross Barkley celebrates scoring his first goal with teammates (Action Images via Reuters)

Man Utd fans all want the same player to replace Michael Keane in England team

1. Hudson-Odoi answers his critics

Callum Hudson-Odoi’s rise to stardom has been quite spectacular - and it got even better for the teenage sensation on Monday night.

The winger, called-up last week, was handed a start by Gareth Southgate and despite some reservations about his place in the team, he delighted the away fans with his attacking intent down both flanks.

This latest achievement further highlights the remarkable rise he has had through the England ranks, having met up with the seniors just hours after linking up with the Under-21s.

Surprisingly, he is yet to start a Premier League game for the Blues - meaning he made his full debut for his country before making his league bow with his club.

Callum Hudson-Odoi enjoyed an impressive full England debut (REUTERS)

England fans slam decision to start Callum Hudson-Odoi against Montenegro

2. Michael Keane redeems himself

Keane kept his place in the England starting XI alongside Harry Maguire, having looked solid in the 5-0 thrashing of Czech Republic on Friday night.

However he endured a disappointing start to this encounter when he showed Vesovic too much of the ball, allowing the Montenegro man to shift onto his right and curl home a beauty.

But, not to be downbeat, Keane bounced back in emphatic fashion by heading home the equaliser for the visiting Three Lions.

It was an impressive goal too, the Everton centre-back climbing highest to turn the ball home into the bottom corner for his first England senior goal.

Michael Keane grabbed an important equaliser for England (Getty Images)

Chelsea hopes growing that transfer ban will be postponed or even overturned

3. Barkley impresses with two-goal heroics

With Declan Rice handed his full England debut in a three-man midfield, Dele Alli and Barkley were given license to roam in Montenegro.

Alli went about his business quietly but it was Barkley who stood out with a thoroughly-impressive performance for the Three Lions.

The former Everton star provided the assist for Keane with a lovely, floated free-kick - and he later got amongst the goals too.

Showing neat movement to lose his marker and stay onside, Barkley was quickest to react to Hudson-Odoi’s shot to score and assist in an England game for the second time in his career - and he then added a second to cap off a brilliant night for the playmaker.

Ross Barkley (left) celebrates with Dele Alli (Getty Images)

Ander Herrera hits out at own Man Utd teammates over Jose Mourinho criticism

4. Debutant Rice holds the fort in three-man midfield

Rice was handed his senior England debut alongside Hudson-Odoi - and he handled the night well.

The West Ham midfielder courted much criticism when he decided to switch his allegiance from Republic of Ireland, who he represented twice in friendly matches, to the Three Lions.

He came on as a sub in the 5-0 win over Czech Republic and was in the team from the start against Montenegro as part of a three-man midfield.

Rice didn't pull up any trees on his full debut - but that's not really his role - and by holding the fort, he allowed Barkley and Alli to focus their attention on making forward runs.

Declan Rice (right) made his full senior England debut on Monday (Getty Images)

Premier League launches No Room for Racism campaign

5. Henderson earns his 50th England cap

Hats off to Henderson - despite his critics, he earned a throughly-deserved 50th cap for England on Monday night.

The Liverpool captain was introduced as a second-half substitute, replacing Alli, and it would have no doubt been a proud moment for him and his family.

In reaching this landmark appearance, he became just the 59th player to achieve the feat for England.

Henderson has become an integral part of the England set-up under Southgate and will no doubt add to his appearance tally in years to come.

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.