JAMES McAtee shone as England under-20s claimed a convincing 3-1 victory over Germany at the JobServe Community Stadium tonight.

McAtee scored one and made the other two as the Young Lions cruised past the visitors, in front of a crowd of nearly 8,500 at the home of Colchester United FC.

It was a dominant display by Andy Edwards' side, in the seventh international game to be played at the stadium.

And Manchester City youngster McAtee was the hosts' stand-out player, on the night.

England started the game brightly, playing with a high tempo and preventing the visitors from settling.

The Young Lions registered the game's first meaningful effort in the seventh minute when Daniel Neil won possession on the edge of the area before firing a shot well wide.

And England went ahead in the tenth minute.

Sam Greenwood's low shot deflected past German keeper Felix Gebhardt, after the Leeds United forward had been fed by McAtee in the area. 

England continued to press for another goal but Germany began to ease into the contest as the half wore on.

The visitors' openings were few and far between before the break though, thanks mainly to a well-organised England defence.

Nathan Wood headed wide under pressure from Greenwood's deep cross just before the break, as England went in at the interval ahead.

It was a case of more of the same for the Young Lions, after half-time.

And they doubled their lead through the impressive McAtee, who showed composure on the edge of the Germany area before firing in a shot that deflected past keeper Gebhardt.

Seemingly not satisifed with a two-goal lead, the hosts went in search of more goals.

And they made it 3-0 just after the hour mark when substitute Tyrhys Dolan lifted a close-range shot into the roof of the net, after more good play by McAtee had set him up.

Daniel Neil forced Gebhardt to make a save at his near post late on, before Germany grabbed a late consolation when Lazar Samardzic's deflected free-kick flew past England keeper James Trafford.

But it was the hosts' night, as England's youngsters claimed a dominant win.

MATCH STATS: England U20: Trafford, Gardner-Hickman, Ogbeta (sub Kesler-Hayden, 58), Hill, Wood, Mola (sub Alese, 79), McAtee (sub Rak-Sajyi, 79), Neil (sub Morton, 79), Archer (sub Dolan, 58), Clarkson (sub James, 88), Greenwood (sub Plange, 79).

Subs (not used): Cartwright, Stansfield, Setford.

Referee: Sam Purkiss.

Goals: England: Greenwood (10), McAtee (52), Dolan (62). Germany: Samardzic (88).

Bookings: England: Neil (foul, 70), Hill (foul, 87).

Attendance: 8,437.