As the international break continues, two of Stoke City’s first teamers that are out on national team duty have gotten off to a flying start. These two being goalkeeper Josef Bursik for England’s U21 squad and forward Liam Delap for England’s U20 team.
At the England U21 level, Josef Bursik started in goal on Thursday and helped steer the team to a clean sheet, 2-0 victory over Italy. Bursik turned away all three attempts he faced. Bursik did get a little help late in the game due to a red card against Italy. But it was a solid start nonetheless from one of The Potters’ goalkeepers.
Next up for the U21 England squad, they will face Germany on Tuesday before the international break concludes.
At the U20 level for England, they also played to a clean sheet on Thursday. England, thanks to three goals, were able to coast to a 3-0 victory over Chile. Early in the game, Stoke City forward Liam Delap scored the first of England’s three goals after receiving a cross into the 18-yard box.
Delap would go on to have two more great chances in the game, but wasn’t able to finish any of those other chances he had. England’s U20 team will next be in action on Saturday against Morocco.
Jordan Thompson and Will Smallbone from Stoke City are still out with their national teams as well. Thompson and Northern Ireland take on Kosovo Saturday. Smallbone and The Republic of Ireland U21’s kick things off Friday against Israel.