England steal a march on rivals

By Paul Saffer

England are three points clear of Germany at the top of UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 6 after two first-half goals defeated Azerbaijan.

Welsh goal
Despite early dominance, England were worried about repeating their 0-0 draw in Azerbaijan in October until the 27th minute, when James Milner's ball found its way to John Welsh, who marked his first U21 start with a strong finish from outside the area. Dean Ashton, who also scored in Friday's 2-2 draw with Germany, found the top corner not long before half-time, like Welsh set up by Milner.

Crucial qualifiers
That was how the game ended, despite further chances for England, whose coach Peter Taylor signed a new contract running until summer 2006 at the weekend. Unbeaten England's lead could disappear when Germany play their match in hand in Poland on 16 August, while Taylor's team return to action in Wales on 2 September. Azerbaijan, yet to score in the group and with only the point they gained at home to England, welcome Poland on 3 June.