England begin European U19 Championship defence with win over Turkey

Japhet Tanganga, Ben Brereton and Elliot Embleton were all on target as Paul Simpson's men got off to a winning start in Seinajoki.

The Young Lions fell behind to a second-minute opener from Turkey’s Guven Yalcin, and after recovering to lead 3-1, they were made to sweat as a defensive mix-up involving Kelland Watts led to a second Turkish goal late on.

Metehan Guclu was the beneficiary, but he was then sent off in the closing stages for a second booking as Turkey's hopes of a comeback evaporated at the OmaSP Stadion.

England will look to book their place in the semi-finals of the tournament when they face Ukraine on Friday.

Sunderland’s Embleton was the star player as his stunning strike - England's third - added to two assists on a very productive evening.

England were crowned European champions at Under-19 level 12 months ago when they beat Portugal 2-1 in the final in Georgia, just one of the many success stories for our youth teams last year.

Simpson, whose side topped their qualifying group, is without a number of first-team regulars due to the competition coinciding with a number of Premier League pre-season tours.

The Young Lions face France after their date with Ukraine in Group B, while Group A contains hosts Finland, Norway and Italy.

England: Balcombe, Sterling, Lewis, Sanders (Kirby 79), Tanganga, Chalobah, Embleton, Tavernier, Hirst, Brereton, Watts.

Subs not used: Cumming, Morris, Lamptey, Francis, Bayliss, Ennis, Gallagher, Ferguson.

Turkey: Dadakdeniz, Yilmaz, Guney, Celebi, Guctekin (Berisbek 73), Omur, Yalcin, Oktay, Guclu, Gunes, Kutucu (Sinik 58).

Subs not used: Sen, Cetin, Kapacak, Aktas, Sanuc, Inci, Karakas.