JACK RODWELL got his European Under-21 Championship campaign off to a winning start in Halmstad last night.
The Everton teenager came on for the final five minutes of England’s opening game with Finland and helped them see out a 2-1 victory despite being down to 10 men.
Michael Mancienne had been sent off in the first half for a professional foul and Tim Sparv’s resulting penalty levelled Lee Cattermole’s goal.
But Micah Richards scored the winner in the 53rd minute to give Stuart Pearce’s side a winning start.
Pearce brought Rodwell on for Gabriel Agbonlahor to shore up his midfield but with Mancienne suspended and Richards limping off late on, the manager could hand Rodwell a start against Spain in Gothenburg on Thursday if he maintains his cautious mindset.
Meanwhile, Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was beaten by three second-half strikes as the USA lost 3-1 to Italy in their opening Confedera- tions Cup game in Pretoria last night.
