ENGLAND Under-20 head coach Paul Simpson hailed the “fantastic” support his Young Lions received at Colchester United.

Goals from Joe Willock and substitute Lukas Nmecha gave the hosts a 2-0 victory in tonight’s international at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Despite the miserable wet, windy and freezing conditions, a crowd of over 7,500 turned out to support England.

And Simpson said their backing made for a memorable night in north Essex.

“It was a fantastic crowd,” he said.

“What an atmosphere for these lads to play international football in.

“Well done to all the people who came out on a very, very cold and wet night.

“Fair play to them.

“They came out and supported the boys and the players responded to that.

“They were great conditions to play in.

“They were perfect footballing conditions – maybe not for other countries but for us this is what it’s all about.

“I feel for the supporters who were freezing sitting in the stands but thankfully we gave them something to jump up and down about.

“I noticed they got a Mexican wave going and created a bit of warmth for themselves and I think the players helped in the way they went about things in the second half. The crowd responded and were fantastic.”

Although second best in the first half, England stepped up a gear after the break and scored twice in quick succession through Joe Willock and substitute Lukas Nmecha.

It was so nearly three when Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah beat two men but saw his effort clatter back off the German bar.

“We had to weather a storm in the first half and it was tough for the first 30 to 35 minutes,” added Simpson.

“Germany showed their quality but we always knew we were coming up against a strong side.

“One of the things we’re trying to get into the players in the development squad is a resilience to try and withstand that sort of pressure.

“It was obvious that we did that and I thought it was a really strong performance.

“We needed to be a bit more on the front foot and had dropped into a bit of a negative shape.

“Once we got that message out there I thought we were better in the last ten minutes of the first half.

“Then in the second half we were much better because we did that.

“It also shows the strength of the squad that we could bring on three players with a bit more energy and strength and, in the end, we were comfortable winners.”