England U21 2-1 Ukraine U21: James McAtee pays emotional tribute to former team-mate George Baldock after netting a late double to secure victory for the Young Lions
At the end of a week that left James McAtee distraught and bereft, his tribute to George Baldock could not have been more perfect. Playing exactly as his old Sheffield United teammate knew he was capable of.
McAtee was sublime, a shining light at Bournemouth on a night when England Under-21s toiled for long spells but ultimately refused to succumb in the way the seniors had done 24 hours earlier.
The emotion for their match winner was clearly visible and etched on his face after he scored a stunning late free-kick to spare them another European Championship qualifying defeat. And then came a flurry when, even later – deep into stoppage time – McAtee was there to sweep again.
It means the European holders are almost done, effectively through, to next summer’s tournament, but actually this brace meant a little more than that.
On both occasions, McAtee proudly lifted his shirt. “Rest in peace brother,” read a message to Baldock after the 31-year-old’s sudden death in Greece. The Manchester City midfielder, who had been on loan at Bramall Lane for two years, had been taken under Baldock’s wing.
England U21s left it late on Friday to beat their Ukrainian counterparts at the Vitality
James McAtee scored 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 goals
Baldock had taken a teenage McAtee under his wing during his time at Sheffield United
There are some lovely photos of the two of them, clearly showing affection for each other, as they celebrated promotion to the Premier League two years ago.
Baldock believed in McAtee, was a real driving force in making him feel part of the group, and you sense that this is something the youngster will not forget.
Both his finishes were of the type honed by individual coach Dean Brathwaite, who discussed in these pages yesterday the attention to detail they put into his final product.
They also spared interim coach Ben Futcher from awkward questions after last month’s shock draw in Northern Ireland.
Ukraine had the lead with 19 minutes to go, Taras Mykhavko curled in a corner at the back post against an average defense, and England were staring at a second qualifying defeat before McAtee emerged.
“It’s been tough for Macca,” Futcher said. ‘He is a fantastic footballer. He is a very lively character, he wanted to be at the camp, wanted to train, wanted to play football. I’m absolutely happy for him.
“We made it difficult for ourselves tonight, I want us to be more ruthless. But they showed incredible character, personality and faith.”