At the end of a week that had left James McAtee distraught and bereft, his tribute to George Baldock could not have been more perfect. Playing exactly how his old Sheffield United team-mate knew he was capable of.
McAtee was sublime, a shining light down in Bournemouth on an evening when England’s Under 21s toiled for long spells but ultimately refused to succumb in a way the seniors had done 24 hours earlier.
The emotion for their match-winner was clear, etched over his face after fizzing in a stunning late free-kick to spare them another Euro qualification defeat. And then an outpouring when, even later – deep into stoppage time – McAtee was there to sweep again.
It means the European holders are almost through, effectively through, to next summer’s tournament but really, this brace meant a bit more than that.
On both occasions, McAtee lifted up his shirt with pride. ‘Rest easy brother,’ a message to Baldock read after the 31-year-old’s sudden passing in Greece. The Manchester City midfielder, who had spent two years on loan at Bramall Lane, had been taken under Baldock’s wing.
England U21s left it late to defeat their Ukranian counterparts at the Vitality on Friday
James McAtee netted twice in the closing stages to seal all three points for the Young Lions
The Manchester City star paid tribute to the late George Baldock after both of his goals
Baldock had taken a teenage McAtee under his wing during his time at Sheffield United
There are some lovely pictures of the two of them, showing obvious affection for each other, when celebrating promotion to the Premier League two years ago.
Baldock believed in McAtee, was a real driver in making him feel part of the group, and you sense it is something the youngster will not forget.
Both of his finishes were the sort honed with individual coach Dean Brathwaite, who discussed the attention to detail they pay to his end product in these pages yesterday.
They also saved interim coach Ben Futcher from uncomfortable questions following last month’s shock draw in Northern Ireland.
Ukraine had led with 19 minutes left, Taras Mykhavko powering home a corner at the back post up against average defending, and England were staring at a second qualification defeat before McAtee popped up.
‘It’s been difficult for Macca,’ Futcher said. ‘He’s a fantastic footballer. He’s a very lively character, he’s wanted to be around the camp, wanted to train, wanted football. I’m absolutely delighted for him.
‘We made it difficult for ourselves tonight, I want us to be more ruthless. But they showed unbelievable character, personality and belief.’
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