Italy legend Gianfranco Zola, who was on the sport for BBC Sport, was notably impressed with the Charles brothers, midfielder Shea and goalkeeper Pierce, who he described as “good”.
“This nationwide crew has an excellent future, they’ve potential and they should continue to grow and bettering,” stated the previous Chelsea ahead.
“After they get one thing extra within the ultimate third of the pitch there will probably be a giant enchancment.”
These are huge phrases from a participant and pundit of Zola’s stature, and O’Neill echoed these ideas.
He described 20-year-old Sheffield Wednesday stopper Pierce, who missed the whole group marketing campaign via harm, as “magnificent”, and felt Shea and fellow midfielder Ethan Galbraith “may each play at the next degree” than Championship golf equipment after impressing towards Tonali, Manuel Locatelli and Nicolo Barella.
O’Neill stated he may reward each participant in his crew for a way they tailored on a giant stage.
“The saves that he made at key moments, however his [Pierce’s] choice making was wonderful,” he added.
“He would not deliver any strain on to his again three, which I believe is uncommon in a goalkeeper of that age. He is acquired an excellent temperament.
“There have been nice performances all around the pitch tonight, however Pierce particularly had a really sturdy efficiency.
“The problem, as I say, is having depth in our squad to take care of when gamers should not accessible to us – and that is one thing that can take a little bit of time.
“There isn’t any solution to quick observe that. We simply must be affected person.”
