Engalnd under-19s traveeled to Hungary today and beat their hosts 4-1 with promising Norwich Cith starlet Joshua Murphy scoring his first international goal and adding two assists.
Head coach Noel Blake took his side to Budapest to play the hosts of next summers UEFA under 19 championships.
Blake started with a 3-5-2 system and the hosts Gergely Bobal skimmed the bar early on with a long-range effort. Alex Hrabina in goal for Hungary rushed a clearance after five minutes which fell to Manchester United youngster Joe Rothwell 40 yards out. Rothwell controlled the ball well and fed Josh Murphy who calmly put the visitors ahead.
Hungary rallied though with Bobal looking dangerous but England nullified any early threat with good ball retention. Shortly before half-time Hungary almost levelled through Mario Nemeths free kick but Luke Coddington made a fine stop. From this save England launched a counter attack with Murphy turning provider. Murphy easily beat his man wide on the left and squared the ball for Barnsleys Paul Digby to make it 2-0.
The second half began with the hosts on top and another fine save from Coddington from Attila Talabers free-kick was a wake up call. Mason Bennett won possesion in midfield and picked out Murphy in space out on the left. Bennett continued his run and Murphy squared the ball for the Derby County man to make it 3-0.
With the game sewn up Blake opted to make changes. In the 63rd minute he substituted Joshua Murphy much to the relief of the Hungarian defence. The relief was short-lived though as he was replaced by identical twin brother Jacob.
With 17 minutes to go the impressive Luke Coddington was beaten at his near post by a Talaber free-kick ruining his clean sheet. Callum Robinson completed the scoring with just two minutes remaining as the substitute broke free in the box and powered home a right-footed drive.
The performance of Murphy who made his Premier League debut in the clubs recent 7-0 defeat at Manchester City will be a timely reminder to City boss Chris Hughton of the potential at the club in a season that looks destined to be spent avoiding relegation for East Anglias premier football team.
