The England boys kicked off their training camp fixtures with a 4-1 win over Kampong in Utrecht on Monday evening.
In the unusual setting of a rooftop football pitch atop the IKEA car park the wet and windy weather returned to replace the bright sunshine that greeted the players early morning training session.
It may have taken the lads 10 minutes to settle into their stride but once they did they caused their hosts a number of problems with Taylor Richardson going closest to breaking the deadlock with a shot that hit the crossbar.
With pressure building it was Oliver Waddison who gave England the lead, lifting the ball over a hesitant keeper and into the net.
Shortly after it was 2-0, a low cross from the right by Matthew Wade was met at the far post by Richardson who showed composure to fire back across the keeper into the far corner.
In truth it was a well deserved lead for the visitors but early in the second half the hosts pulled a goal back although that proved to drive England back onto the front foot.
English Schools Football Association Under 18 Boys v Kampong on Monday 17th February 2020 (c) Garry Griffiths | ThreeFiveThree Photography
The goal of the night from Max Blencowe restored the two goal advantage, picking up a loose ball after the home keeper punched clear from a corner he fired a dart into the top corner from 25 yards for a 3-1 lead.
Hans Mpongo was proving a handful in the 2nd half and he finally added the fourth goal of the night, heading home from inside the box to complete the scoring.
All in all a decent workout in windy and wet conditions with the lads back in action on Tuesday evening against FC Utrecht.
Take a look at what England Manager, Richy Alderson had to say about the Tour so far…
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.