Jack Rodwell of Everton (right) started in midfield for England

England Under-21s came from behind to beat Macedonia in their opening European Championship qualifier.

Agim Ibraimi gave the hosts the lead in Prilep, before West Ham striker Freddie Sears equalised midway through the second half.

And Sunderland's Lee Cattermole gave Stuart Pearce's side all three points with a penalty on 83 minutes.

England's second clash is against Greece, who boast a 100% record from their two matches played, on Tuesday.

Cattermole had a shot well-saved by Kristjian Naumovski early on, and soon afterwards he had a goal ruled out for off-side.

Macedonia's Ibraimi tested Scott Loach with one free-kick, then in the 34th minute he made no mistake in similar circumstances to put his team in front.

Macedonia should have scored again when another Ibraimi free-kick was not dealt with and fell to Marko Ivanovski, but his shot was blocked by Loach.

Sears came on at half-time for Fabrice Muamba, and when a Junior Stanislas corner was not cleared, Sears beat Naumovski from six yards out to level the scores.

And when substitute Jack Wilshere was fouled in the area close to the byeline, Cattermole stepped up and scored from the spot.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version