AFTER a slow start, the goals finally began to Flo here in Albania.
Flo Balogun fired a clinical double after the break to take his Young Lions tally to four in just three starts.
Flo Balogun shows his double delight in England’s Uefa U21 Championship qualifying win Credit: Getty
Arsenal striker Balogun, on loan at Middlesbrough, slots the Young Lions’ opener Credit: Getty Curtis Jones was also deadly in between Balogun’s strikes during a devastating 14-minute spell at the start of the second half.
It was just the sort of ruthlessness manager Lee Carsley had demanded of his side after being dissatisfied with their finishing in Friday’s 4-1 win over Andorra.
Debutant Ben Johnson was one of four changes from that tonking down in Bournemouth, coming in for the injured Luke Thomas at left-back.
England completely dominated possession but struggled to break down the red wall they faced in the opening 45.
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The nearest they came in the first period was through an excellent early Anthony Gordon free-kick, which was met by an even better save from goalkeeper Simon Simoni.
Carsley did not have to wait long for his team to get going after the break, though.
With 47 minutes on the clock, they had the lead as Noni Madueke’s clever pass put Balogun in with a sight of goal.
The Arsenal forward, on loan at Middlesbrough, did not hesitate as he fired first time past Simoni.
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Jones showed even more impressive composure to double the lead four minutes later.
The Liverpool midfielder nicked possession with his high-pressing, raced in on goal and slotted home, leaving Simoni helpless.
Carsley started Tino Livramento for the second successive game, despite Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl voicing his concerns about the right-back’s troublesome knee.
And Livramento’s evening was over straight after the second goal as he was replaced by debutant Djed Spence.
Two became three just after the hour as Balogun spun his marker as he seized on Morgan Gibbs-White’s fine pass and finished clinically.
He had a hat-trick chance moments later but ended up kicking the goalkeeper instead of the ball, forcing Simoni to come off on a stretcher.
But his finishing had done the job, moving England to within three points of group leaders Czech Republic, with two games in hand.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
