BAXTER IMPRESSES

Everton youngster Jose Baxter shines for England in the Victory Shield.

Everton’s Jose Baxter was an impressive figure during England under 16s’ 2-2 draw with Northern Ireland in the Victory Shield on Thursday evening.

A late goal from the Ulstermen denied the Young Lions all three points in the competition opener at Bloomfield Road.

The Blues striker was a constant threat to the Northern Ireland defence throughout and provided the assist for the England’s first goal on 62 minutes.

Baxter’s low shot hit the post and rebounded back to him on the touchline. The striker fired the ball back into the area, where Jonjo Shelvy was well placed to strike a volley home from close range.

Northern Ireland levelled the score 10 minutes later but England again took the lead through Jason Banton with less than five minutes remaining. In added time, the Ulstermen made the score 2-2.

Baxter could have secured the win deep into stoppage time but an excellent save from Drummond denied England the last laugh.