Francis Jeffers got a hat-trick - and the man of the match award - as David Platt's England U21 side spanked Albania 5-0 at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

The Arsenal youngster was the star of the show, and even had the luxury of missing a couple of real sitters before finding a third goal in stoppage time.

In goal, Arsenal's Stuart Taylor had only one shot on target to deal with, and he did - comfortably.

An encouraging night for Gooners was completed by the appearance of sub Jermaine Pennant for the last 20 mins. Pennant made the Albanian left-back's life a living hell: all the poor lad could do was floor him, repeatedly. A less charitable ref might have sent him off.

England will win the group, and qualify for the European U21 finals, with a win over Greece at Ewood Park in a month's time.