Sport 14-11-2001 England Youngsters Are On Their Way To Finals who: England U21 football team what: Beat Holland 1-0 in second leg of play-off where: Pride Park, DERBY when: Last night snippet: "Under the watchful eye of Sven Goran Eriksson," says The Independent`s Phil Shaw, "and in the face of a formidable Dutch challenge at Derby, Michael Carrick last night ensured that David Platt`s England side will be one of eight nations who contest the European Under-21 Championship finals in May." "Carrick was anonymous in the first half but took his second-half chance well," says Henry Winter in The Telegraph. "His 72nd-minute goal contained all the qualities David Platt has sought to instil in his promising young side: touch, composure and neat passing." "I get a lot of stick for not getting enough goals," says Carrick in The Times, "but Shola (Ameobi) laid it on a plate." The goal made it 1-0 on the night, giving England a 3-2 victory on aggregate in Platt`s sixth game since taking over from Howard Wilkinson. "His side have now managed five wins and a draw," says The Sun`s Michael Morgan, singling out Liverpool`s "wonder keeper" Chris Kirkland for particular praise for "a series of stunning saves". [... more]

What The Papers Say is delivered to thousands of readers every morning by web, WAP and email. Sign up today!