Jarrad Branthwaite helped England Under-21s enjoy a happy homecoming with a fine 9-1 win against Serbia in Euro 2025 qualifying at the City Ground on Thursday night.
The Everton defender started at centre-back for Lee Carsley's side, who played their first match on home soil since their triumphant European Championship tournament victory in Georgia and Romania in the summer.
Branthwaite was part of that squad along with Blues teammate James Garner, and the 21-year-old - who signed a new four-year deal with the Club last week - played 76 minutes at Nottingham Forest's home ground as the young Lions eased to victory.
Serbia took a 27th-minute lead but England showed the depth of young talent ex-Toffees midfielder Carsley has to work with as doubles from debutant Jaden Philogene, Harvey Elliot and Noni Madueke, along with efforts from Liam Delap, Jonathan Rowe and an own goal made it two wins from two for England in group F qualifying.
The young Lions now face Ukraine on Monday 16 October (5.30pm BST) before next month's international schedule when they face Northern Ireland at Goodison Park on Tuesday 21 November (7.45pm BST).
Jarrad and England U21s are in action tonight - and you can also catch them at Goodison Park on 21 November. 🏟🏴
— Everton (@Everton) October 12, 2023
Tickets: https://t.co/qCJ2BgGDOV https://t.co/ZgdJi6LxLX pic.twitter.com/HvcwpKiyJv
Elsewhere on Thursday night, Nathan Patterson came on as a 44th-minute substitute as Scotland were forced to wait to qualify for Euro 2024 following a 2-0 loss to Spain in Seville.
The Everton right-back was brought on off the bench after an injury to Andrew Robertson, with the visitors unlucky not to secure the point needed to book their place for this summer's finals.
Scott McTominay netted from a free-kick that was ruled out by VAR for a foul on the Spanish goalkeeper as the hosts triumphed courtesy of Alvaro Morata's header and a Ryan Porteous own goal.
Scotland still sit top of Group A, three points above their hosts, and will qualify for Euro 2024 on Sunday if Norway fail to beat the in-form Spanish.
Or, if needed, they can get the job done next month when they travel to Georgia for their penultimate game.
