By Bonnie Mnokono
Wrocław, Poland — England delivered a statement performance in the International League Final, overpowering Romania 4–0 at the Tarczyński Arena to secure the trophy in commanding fashion.
Paul Malcolm and Peter Mutiu shared the scoring burden, each striking twice in a match that was effectively settled by halftime. England’s relentless tempo, quick interchanges, and incisive finishing left Romania with few answers and even fewer chances to recover.
Malcolm opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a composed finish after Romania’s defense failed to clear their lines. Seven minutes later, Mutiu added a second, ghosting in from the flank to fire low past Mihai Grigoraș. The forward capped off his night with another late goal in the 88th minute, bookending a performance that earned him man of the match honors. Malcolm’s brace, completed in the 32nd minute, reflected England’s efficiency in the final third.
“This was about execution,” England manager said afterward. “We trusted the system, pressed high, and took our chances. The players deserved this moment.”
Romania never settled into rhythm. Captain Adrian Grigoraș and midfielder Lajos Cramer were smothered in central areas, while striker Călin Popa cut an isolated figure up front. Their best spell of possession yielded only half-chances, and the side managed a total xG of just 0.55 compared with England’s 1.93.
By the final whistle, Romania’s players looked resigned. Dragos Ursu’s early yellow card summed up their frustration as England dictated every phase of play.
For England, the result confirmed their resurgence on the continental stage. With Mutiu emerging as a lethal option in attack and Malcolm providing poise under pressure, this was a performance that carried both style and substance.
The celebration in Wrocław was as emphatic as the scoreline: England, four goals to the good, lifting the International League trophy with conviction.