Netherlands U21 1-1 England U21: Scarlett nets, visitors stretch unbeaten run

Dane Scarlett's early strike allowed England's hopefuls to extend their unbeaten run to ten games after a hard-earned 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in Almere.

Scarlett's diving header in the fifth minute looked set to culminate Ben Futcher's reign as interim head coach before a second-half equalizer came from Dutch substitute Thom van Bergen.

It was the second draw in four days for Futcher's side after Friday's deadlock against Spain in Cadiz, as they continue to prepare to defend their European title in Slovakia next summer.

Tottenham striker Scarlett, currently on loan at Oxford, met Samuel Iling-Junior's precision cross with a brilliant header to give the visitors a dream start.

But it was the Dutch who applied increasing pressure as the match progressed and England goalkeeper James Beadle was forced into a good save to deny Ezekiel Banzuzi's long-range effort on the hour mark.

The relentless home pressure paid off in the 82nd minute when Million Manhoef fed Van Bergen on the left side of the penalty area and the Groningen striker tapped the equalizer over Beadle.

Moments after the restart, England got a scare when a drive from Dutch substitute Denso Kasius was saved by Beadle's legs, after which the ball hit a post.

Aston Villa's Jaden Philogene flashed an effort narrowly wide, while Tyrese Asante missed a good chance for the home side deep into stoppage time when he misfired an effort from close range.