Everton attacker Anthony Gordon was introduced as a second-half substitute as England Under-21s beat Czech Republic 2-1 in a U21 European Championship qualifier on Friday evening.

Gordon – who was recently awarded Everton's Players' Player and Young Player of the Season prizes – played the final 25 minutes of the game, to win his fifth cap for the Under-21s.

The victory in České Budějovice moves England top of qualification Group G.

Emile Smith Rowe’s thumping finish put Lee Carsley’s team in front on 22 minutes, before Jacob Ramsey slotted in from close range shortly after half-time to double England’s advantage.

The Czechs pulled one back late in the piece through Daniel Fila but England successfully saw the game out.

The clash was the first of four qualifiers England Under-21s will contest in June, with the team next in action against Albania on Tuesday at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium.

A qualifier in Kosovo follows three days later, before the young Lions round off their qualification programme by taking on Slovenia on Monday 13 June at Huddersfield Town’s John Smith’s Stadium.

The UEFA U21 European Championship finals will take place in Romania ad Georgia in summer 2023.