Ben Johnson featured as England U21s beat Czechia 2-0 in their UEFA European U21 Championship opener on Thursday evening.
The Academy of Football graduate was a second-half substitute as Lee Carsley’s side took an important victory in their first match of this summer’s tournament.
Making his seventh appearance at this level, Johnson saw a goal from Jacob Ramsey put England ahead, before the West Ham full-back was brought on in the final moments to get his side over the line in their opener at Adjarabet Arena, Georgia.
Emile Smith Rowe added the second in injury time to secure the points and take England top of Group C, with Israel and Germany drawing 1-1 in other group fixture played on Thursday.
It is the first time England have won their opening fixture of a U21 Euros since 2009, a year which saw former Hammers Mark Noble and James Tomkins involved in a 2-1 win over Finland in Sweden.
The young Three Lions are next in action on Sunday against Israel on Sunday 25 June, before they face Germany to conclude Group C on Wednesday 28 June.
Johnson and company will need to finish in the top two to secure progress to the quarter-finals.
A winning start to #U21EURO for our #YoungLions! 💪 pic.twitter.com/efFYWOwWnh
— England (@England) June 22, 2023
