James Garner played the full 90 minutes as England Under-21s kicked-off their UEFA European Championships campaign with a 2-0 victory over Czech Republic in Georgia. 

Playing at right-back from the off, Garner enjoyed an impactful performance in his team’s opening game of the competition.

He won 10 of his 13 ground duels, while completing 86% of his 77 passes. The Blues youngster also made four tackles and two interceptions during an impressive showing.

Threatening early on, Garner played a particularly incisive cross in the first half, but no England players were able to capitalise on the dangerous ball. 

It wasn’t until after the break before Lee Carsley’s side broke the deadlock through Jacob Ramsey as the Aston Villa midfielder broke into the box and clinically dispatched into the far corner.

England had several second half opportunities to add to their advantage in what was a strong performance but failed to add to the scoring.

In the dying embers, Arsenal's Emile Smith-Rowe made it 2-0 to wrap up the points in the group opener.

Fellow Blue Jarrad Branthwaite was an unused substitute, but may be involved on Sunday as the Young Lions return to action, facing Israel at Ramaz Shengelia Stadium (kick off 5pm BST).