BUDAPEST: A second-half penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai earned Hungary a shock 1-0 win over England in the Nations League yesterday – their first victory against Gareth Southgate’s side in 60 years.
Looking to get their preparations for the Qatar World Cup, which begins later this year, up and running, England were surprisingly second best from the off in Budapest, and were fortunate to go into the break all square.
The hosts kept coming and made their pressure count as Szoboszlai converted from the penalty spot in the 66th minute after Zsolt Nagy was fouled by Chelsea defender Reece James – a decision which incensed the England players.
England pressed as they looked for a leveller, but they could not create that killer chance as their Nations League campaign got off to a disappointing start.
The tests keep coming with Germany England’s next League A, Group Three opponents on Tuesday, while Hungary will look to make it five wins in six when they face European champions Italy.
Hungary were forced to host England ‘behind closed doors’ after being disciplined by both Fifa and Uefa for repeated racist behaviour from their fans, but the Hungarian FA said last month that children could attend the match at the Puskas Arena.
The most unfancied team in Nations League League A, Group Three, Hungary almost gave their youthful support something to shout about early on as Conor Coady was forced to clear off the line after Szoboszlai had bundled the ball towards goal.
England, who handed debuts to West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen and Leicester defender James Justin, failed to make any inroads in the first half, as Adam Szalai almost scored a sensational opener from the halfway line.
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