SoccerNews.com

England have won the opening game of the UEFA Under-21 Championships in Sweden, a 2-1 victory over Finland.

Lee Cattermole got the first goal of the tournament after 15 minutes at Halmstad’s Örjans Vall stadium. The defender received the ball from Gabriel Agbonlahor and pushed it past keeper Jaakkola.

The Scandinavians levelled shortly after the hour though as Tim Sparv converted a penalty that had been caused by a Michael Mancienne foul on Berat Sadik. The perpetrator was sent off for the tackle.

But despite being a man down, England went on to net a winning goal eight minutes after the break. James Milner swung in a corner and Micah Richard powered a header low into the corner.

In Monday’s other game, favorites Spain take on Germany.

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