Loanee O'Neil Skipper England to Victory

Wales Beaten
By Chris O'Brien
October 9 2004

Cardiff City's loan midfielder Gary O'Neil skippered England's Under-21's to a 2-0 victory over Wales at Ewood Park. Bluebirds duo Byron Anthony and Danny Parslow were in action for the Welsh, with James Milner and Darren Bent scoring the goals that separated the two sides.

Cardiff City's on-loan attacking midfielder Gary O'Neil skipper the English Under-21's to a 2-0 victory over Wales at Ewood Park, but the hosts suffered a few scares in a game they looked absolute certainties to win. O'Neil himself was booked as he bossed the midfield during England's hard-fought victory.

O'Neil was not the only Cardiff City player in action, with Byron Anthony and Danny Parslow starting for the valiant Welsh who were still on level terms at the half-time interval. Defensive midfielder Nicky Fish warmed the bench throughout for Wales. However, second-half strikers from James Milner and Darren Bent were enough to give England victory as their vastly superior ability shone through in the second-half.

Wales battled hard throughout the game, and the visiting fans nearly had something to celebrate when the well-regarded David Vaughan saw his long-range effort bounce back against the woodwork. England were starting to look frustrated, but broke the deadlock only seconds into the final half and from there it looked like only one winner. Darren Bent's header later in the half secured victory for Peter Taylor's men.

The result maintains England's 100% record in the qualification group and they now look certain to qualify for the finals, with Peter Taylor's men looking a real force at this level. Wales have three points from two qualifiers, and are unlikely to make much of an impact in the group. It was a brave effort at Ewood Park all the same though.

Full Time - England Under-21's 2-0 Wales Under-21's
at Ewood Park, Blackburn

England U21: Carson, Hunt, Johnson (Taylor 83), Davenport, Harding, Pennant (Whittingham 75), O'Neil, Milner, Downing, Cole (Bent 19), Stead.
Subs Not Used: Kilgallon, Lonergan, Baines, Hinshelwood.

Wales U21: Price, Anthony, Duffy, Parslow, Gilbert, Vaughan, Jamie Tolley, Fowler (Crowell 69), Pipe, Birchall (Carpenter 76), Calliste.
Subs Not Used: Davies, Morgan, Spender, Fish, Worgan.