For the first time in nearly two years a England fixture was my destination, Middlesborough’s Riverside Stadium being the venue to host. Having travelled up the night before I was able to experience the pre-match build up. When I arrived I quickly discovered my hotel was also booked by the Romanian national team, which meant I bumped into them on more than one occasion. Sadly there was no sight of Ianis Hagi!
After a night under the same roof as our opposition it was time to make the trip to the ground. A short distance walk left me with plenty time to queue up alongside other Three Lions supporters to get into the ground, some who had travelled to the North East early that morning - a significant commitment to make. Once more, the England team decided to take the knee, which was met with a mix of applause and booing from supporters in the stands.
Horrific challenges from the start of the game gave Romania an early shot on goal, easily being saved by the England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. When in possession, the Three Lions chose to play mainly in the channels creating chances through crossing. Many balls were whipped in from the wide players throughout the first period, however none were slotted away. An excellent shot from Sancho hit the bar but sadly did not bounce in after, leaving the score even going into the break. Right before the teams went in for half time the game was interrupted due to a pitch invader. Jordan Henderson came on for Kalvin Phillips during the break to make the first England substitution for the game.
Starting the second half right, England won a free kick in the 46th minute. A wonderful delivery was put in, before being luckily saved by the Romanian keeper. Getting closer. Our guests almost broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a sliced shot but it went wide of the post. Picking up the ball on the half way line Marcus Rashford darted towards the goal giving England fans hopes of taking the lead in the 61st minute. The second and third England subs saw Declan Rice come on for Ward-Prowse and Sancho made way for Jude Bellingham. Hagi came on for visitors at the same time. Rashford gave England the lead here at the Riverside Stadium after a well-placed penalty! Not long after the Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw came of the pitch, with Lingard and Trippier taking their spots in this Three Lions line-up. A missed penalty following a disgusting challenge left England only 1-0 with just over 10 minutes to go. Next to be subbed off for England was Dominic Calvert Lewin who was swapped with Ollie Watkins. The game ended 1-0 to the home side thanks to a Marcus Rashford penalty. Onto the Euros now.
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