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Goals from Rhyce Ramsden and the faintest of touches from Harry Ash provided the Lions with a 2-0 victory over the USA in the first of four games for Scott Rogers’ men.
With all three points and a clean sheet to go with it was a matter of whether this young side could continue their momentum into the second game of an action-packed afternoon in Warsaw.
Rogers made two changes to his side for the second encounter of the afternoon with Kieran Lambourne and Jamie Oakey replacing Thomas Atkinson and Ramsden respectively.
It was apparent from the opening stages that it was going to be a test of the Lion's patience, with the South Americans opting for a flat backline.
England were restricted from breaking the deadlock with the woodwork standing in their way, however, Rogers introduced Ramsden who made an instant impact to win a penalty and get his second goal in as many games.
Superbly taken second-half goals from Oakey and Jamie Tregaskiss rounded off a days work and put the icing on the cake for the gaffer - who was in fact celebrating his 46th birthday.
Reflecting on the day's performances, Rogers said: I thought the players were outstanding.
“We started the USA game slowly but after the time out, we started to control the game on and off the ball, while Costa Rica was a real test of the lad's patience.
“A lot of what we have been working on in our preparation played out and the lads were able to execute the game plan extremely well in both outings.”
With Ash opening his England goalscoring account and a commanding performance in midfield, Rogers was full of praise for the Chelsea captain.
“Harry (Ash) just keeps getting better and better,” said Rogers.
“He’s a very bright lad and has taken on board everything that we have asked him to do.
“He’s highlighted heading as an area he wants to improve so to see him score with his head was amazing.”
England return to action on Sunday as they face Japan and host and holders Poland. Keep up to date across all of our social channels.
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