Hoyte mistake irrelevant as England win Battle of Britain to qualify for U19 Euros

Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte was the subject of a penalty storm in Sheffield last night but in the end it didn’t matter as Brian Eastick’s England u-19 side still overcame Scotland to reach the finals of the UEFA u-19 European Championships which will be held in the Ukraine next month.

Having won their first two fixtures comfortably, the Three Lions went into this fixture knowing that a draw would be sufficient to send them through given their superior goal difference.

Hoyte played the whole game at centre-back, with England taking the lead through prolifc Newcastle striker Nile Ranger on 66 minutes.

The lead was doubled seven minutes later when Crystal Palace’s Victor Moses struck a venomous effort into the far corner of the net.

Hoyte tugged Scotland substitute Leigh Griffiths in the area, and went down easily. The referee pointed to the spot, with Alex McDonald tucking home comfortably.

However, the goal was irrelevant as England still qualified to join Serbia, Turkey, France, Spain and the hosts Ukraine in the Finals. Hoyte is expected to be joined by his Arsenal team-mates Henri Lansbury and Rhys Murphy for the tournament, with Fran Mérida set to represent Spain.

Two more qualification groups remain and they both have Arsenal interest. Conor Henderson has been called into the Republic of Ireland side for their fixtures against Belgium, Switzerland and Sweden, whilst Nacer Barazite’s Netherlands face Russia, Slovenia and Belarus.