Akpom On Target, Iorfa And Ibe Impress As England U21s Draw With Switzerland

Four players of Nigerian descent were handed game time as England U21s played out a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in a UEFA European U21 Championship Group 9 Qualifier on Saturday.

Arsenal loanee Chuba Akpom and Wolves fullback Dominic Iorfa were included in the starting line-up, while Liverpool starlet Jordon Ibe and Chelsea loanee Dominic Solanke were substitutes.

Akpom gave England the lead two minutes out of intermission after he was set up by Demarai Gray and had an effort cleared off the line minutes later.

Dominic Iorfa, who was the only player of Nigerian descent that went the distance, and Ibe were impressive, making impact from the right and left wing respectively.

The 20-year-old Akpom has now scored three goals in four appearances for the England U21 team following his strike today at Stockhorn Arena, home of Thun FC.

FC Basel defender Manuel Akanji is still recovering from injury and was not called up by the Switzerland U21s manager.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : hullcitytigers.com