Platt Happy With Win

Last updated : 16 October 2002 By Rob Cooper
David Platt
David Platt
England under 21s comfortably defeated their Macedonian counterparts 3-1 at the Madejski Stadium, ensuring England maintained their 100% record following on from their 4-0 win in Slovakia.

Arsenal's Francis Jeffers stole the show netting all three goals.

Despite the winning start Platt wasn't totally satisfied with his sides performance against Macedonia, he felt the ganeral play wasn't as good as against the Slovakians, in addition, he felt England conceded a sloppy goal.

After the match Platt commented: "If someone had said ten days ago we would have 6 points I would have taken that.

"The kids trust each other with their football because they look around and know they're all good players.

"We weren't as fluid as on Friday night in Slovakia but it would have been difficult to emulate that performance, which was probably the best since I have been in charge.

"We started well and were creating options - but because it was too easy passing it, we started taking an extra touch on the ball.

"Our offensive actions became a bit sporadic, but whenever we injected energy into the game we created problems.

"Every time we injected energy in to the game we caused Macedonia problems tonight. Franny Jeffers has scored 12 in 12 internationals, that confirms he is a goalscorer. He is sharp, if you create chances he will finish them.

"It was disappointing to concede a goal because it was through complacency and there is no room for it in international football".