Internationals - mixed fortunes for Skippy and Destiny in UEFA Euro Under-21 openers

Oliver Skipp played his part as England kicked-off their UEFA Euro Under-21 Finals with a win against the Czech Republic, but there were contrasting emotions for Destiny Udogie as Italy fell to a 2-1 loss against France on Thursday.

Skippy started on the bench for the Young Lions and was introduced after 79 minutes with Lee Carsley's team 1-0 up via Jacob Ramsey's goal two minutes into the second half in the Group C clash in Georgia. They secured victory in the final seconds of added time through Emile Smith Rowe.

England top the early group standings after Germany and Israel drew 1-1 in their opener. England next face Israel on Sunday (5pm) before concluding the group against Germany on Wednesday (5pm).

Meanwhile, Destiny started in a left wing-back role as Italy suffered a 2-1 loss against France in their Group D opener in Romania. Italy were somewhat unfortunate to first be denied by a triple save by Lucas Chevalier and then Raoul Bellanova's late header looked to have crossed the line, but with no VAR available, play was waved on.

Destiny, who played 34 times on loan for Udinese in Italy last season, was substituted in the 88th minute. France led through Arnaud Kalimuendo's backheel on 22 minutes, Pietro Pellegri headed home the equaliser on 36 minutes but Les Bleus won it on 62, when Destiny was robbed in the area by Bradley Barcola, who finished clinically.

Italy next face Switzerland on Sunday (5pm) before finishing against Norway on Wednesday (7.45pm) in Group D. Switzerland beat Norway 2-1 in the other Group D game on Thursday.

The top two from each of the four groups progress to the quarter-finals.