Contrasting fortunes for Walcott and Gibbs as England begin UEFA u-21 EUROs with 2-1 victory over Finland

Arsenal duo Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs both started as England U-21s kicked off their European Championship campaign with a 2-1 victory over Finland despite the first-half dismissal of Chelsea centre-back Michael Mancienne.

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Despite an impressive start from a physically superior Finland side, it was Stuart Pearce’s England who took the lead against the run of play on 14 minutes. A long ball forward found Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor who brushed off the challenge of the nearest defender and showed a trademark burst of speed before cutting the ball back to Lee Cattermole who slotted home the opening goal of the tournament.

It was a huge slice of fortune for England, who had started very poorly, but they got their come-uppance on the half-hour mark. Sadik was too pacy and powerful for Mancienne, who pulled the bulky striker down in the area; getting sent off and conceding a penalty in the process.

Former Southampton scholar Tim Sparv, who played with Walcott on the south coast, stepped up to comfortably convert the penalty.

England looked as if they were going to capitulate at this point, but a rousing half-time team-talk from Pearce increased morale and it was the much maligned Micah Richards who proved the hero, heading home James Milner’s expertly taken corner.

The Three Lions will be without Mancienne for Thursday’s clash with Spain, whilst Richards is also a doubt after suffering a twisted ankle late on.

Walcott failed to impress and was withdrawn at half-time as Pearce looked to re-vitalise his side, whilst Gibbs was calm and composed at left-back.