Bent rampant for England

Ipswich Town FC's Darren Bent scored twice on his home ground as Martin Hunter's England Under-19 side beat Germany 3-1 on Thursday.

Ashton inspires England
Crewe Alexandra FC's Dean Ashton was the architect of Germany's downfall, setting up a goal for Wimbledon FC's Lionel Morgan after just eight minutes and then laying the ball off for Bent to rifle home his first of the evening just before half-time.

Last word for Bent
Marcel Sheid gave the visitors hope with a headed goal after the interval, but Bent had the last word at Portman Road after 72 minutes as he glanced home Michael Chopra's cross.

Play-off preparation
Both England and Germany are preparing to play two-legged intermediary round ties to decide whether they will earn a place at the 2001/02 UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals in Norway.

Decisive ties
Germany face Poland at home on 25 April with the return leg in Poland being played on 2 May, while England play the first leg of their tie with Lithuania on 17 April, with the second leg taking place four days later on 21 April.