roberts

Patrick Roberts won a penalty and scored a superb long-range strike as England Under 18s recorded an impressive 2-0 win over their Russian counterparts in Moscow this afternoon.

The Fulham midfielder won the spot-kick that broke the deadlock after a tight first hour at the Arena Khimka. Roberts beat three defenders at pace during a trademark run before he was crudely bought to ground inside the box and Newcastle striker Adam Armstrong clinically converted the subsequent penalty.

The eighteen year-old then doubled England’s lead just four minutes later. Collecting a pass out on the right flank, Roberts was afforded far too much time to take a touch and curl a delightful effort into the top corner from 25 yards out. He was substituted shortly afterwards and is likely to feature again as Neil Dewsnip’s side face the same opponents in a second fixture on Wednesday.

You can see the highlights from the friendly – including Roberts’ sensational goal – below: