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International Friendlies

Feb 5, 2013 at 7.30pm UK

England
4-0
Sweden

Ince, Shelvey, Wickham

England Under-21s see off Sweden in Walsall

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor | 05 February 2013

Thomas Ince scores his first goals at international Under-21 level as England defeat Sweden comfortably in a friendly at Walsall's Banks's Stadium.

Thomas Ince scored his first goals at Under-21 international level as England beat Sweden in a friendly at Walsall's Banks's Stadium this evening.

England under 21s' Jonjo Shelvey scores against Sweden on February 5, 2013 © PA Photos

England began confidently and captain Jordan Henderson headed a free header wide before they took the lead in the 10th minute.

It was a first goal at Under-21 level for Blackpool's sought-after forward Thomas Ince, who poked home Adam Smith's cross from the right.

Jonjo Shelvey then somehow missed the target with a free header from six yards out but made up for it by netting the second.

The Liverpool man was presented with an easy tap-in after Ince's shot had hit a defender and looped into his path.

England under 21s' Josh McEachran misses a penalty against Sweden on February 5, 2013 © PA Photos

It was three before half-time when Ince scored his second. He was fouled in the area and followed up Josh McEachran's saved penalty to give the Three Lions a comfortable lead at the interval.

England manager Stuart Pearce made four substitutions at half-time and one of the entrants, Connor Wickham, squared for Ince to complete his hat-trick on the hour mark but he was denied by August Stromberg's save.

Sweden never really threatened the hosts' goal. Andreas Blomqvist came closest to scoring a consolation, dipping a shot wide of Declan Rudd's goal.

Wickham would be the man to score the fourth, powerfully heading home Henri Lansbury's cross 13 minutes from time to seal the win.