• Finland U21 1-1 England U21, Euro U21 Qualifying

Berahino rescues England Under-21s

ESPN staff
September 9, 2013
Saido Berahino was on the scoresheet once again © PA Photos
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Saido Berahino saved England Under-21s' blushes against Finland in a 1-1 draw on a night which saw captain Andre Wisdom sent off and goalkeeper Jack Butland caught out for the opening goal.

It was an eventful second match in charge for new Young Lions boss Gareth Southgate, whose first game at the helm ended in a 1-0 win over minnows Moldova last week.

Berahino netted that night and was on the scoresheet again in Tampere, grabbing a second-half equaliser in a European Championship qualifier that did not go to plan.

Finland took the lead in avoidable circumstances, with Butland rather embarrassingly caught out of position by a whipped, long-range free-kick by Moshtagh Yaghoubi in the 15th minute.

It was just reward for the hosts' early pressure, with the Stoke goalkeeper then tipping over a Robin Lod effort before James Ward-Prowse had England's first chance of note.

The Southampton man, making his second start for the under-21s, again came close on the stroke of half-time, only to be denied by Fulham goalkeeper Jesse Joronen.

When play resumed, Butland was relieved to see Tim Vayrynen fire over after being beaten to the ball before substitute Harry Kane was denied moments after coming on.

England soon drew level, though, with fine work by Manchester United's Wilfried Zaha allowing Berahino to finish from close range in the 67th minute.

Southgate's side pushed for a winner but fell just short as they played the final 16 minutes without skipper Wisdom, who was sent off following an altercation with Vayrynen.

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