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.
© 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.
© 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.
Pascal Lemesre
