England Under 17’s secured their place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Under 17 European Championship Finals after beating Turkey 2-1 in their final group game. Coach John Peacock knew before kick off his side were through, so he rotated, giving rests to a selection of his regulars. However, Benik Afobe again started up front and he would go on to play a key part.
The Young Lions had a sluggish start to the fixture and replacement goalkeeper Jack Butland was forced into a selection of early saves to keep things level. Yet Turkish pressure tolled and they got the goal they needed in the 31st minute, when Okan Derıcı took advantage of poor defending to flick home ahead of the advancing Butland.
England stepped up their game and were behind for just 4 minutes. Saido Berahino, only in the squad following Chuks Aneke’s injury, showed beautiful composure and superb close control to juggle the ball inside the box before poking it into the net from close range. It was 1-1 at the break.
Peacock’s boys snapped straight out of the traps in the second half. Afobe controlled the ball on the wing and then burst inside the full back, he managed to shrug off the Turkish centre half but a poor connection saw his shot claimed well by Muhammed Uysal.
Turkey had their chances to grab the goal they needed, but eventually England got themselves in front. Afobe spotted a sloppy back pass and took full advantage. After winning a ball he had no right to win, he skipped around the on rushing Uysal, who clattered into the Arsenal forward. It was a clear cut spot kick. Benik shrugged off many who wanted to take the spot kick, but Peacock ordered Rob Hall to take. He did, and he curled home from 12 yards.
Late substitutes ruined the flow of the game but there was just time for Afobe to almost score, after nutmegging one full back, he drew the other in and squared for Williams, but he couldn’t apply the finish from close range.
The win means England not only have a 100% qualifying record, but a 100% record in the tournament finals. The three points guarantees that they will face France in the first semi-final after winning Group B.
why did aneke come back? why didn’t he play any games?
Injured.
how good has france been playing in the tournement?
They had a poor start but are improving. England are the favourites for the tournament and after being able to rest players for the semi-final, I’d be very dissapointed if they didn’t win.
England got lucky, Turkey were the better team.
It sounds like Afobe had a pretty good match. That should be enough to get the debate going again about wether Afobe is good enough to make it or not. In my opinion he is, but some other people might feel differently right????:D
Milo you should know by now that Afobe doesn’t have technique and that Freeman and Wickham are better. Oh and one more thing LANSBURY IS A GOD AND WE NEED MORE WINGERS!!!!!!! :D
Sorry about spam guys but every time I see his posts I picture him looking like the kid from Simsons – Barts friend with blue hair – sitting in a dark basement.
Its a shame Aneke got injured.
Means Barca won’t try and poach him again at least :D
poor performance from England.
Very disappointed by Robert Hall of West Ham, terrible first touch.
McEchran, Chabolah, Barkley and Garbutt were rested, and the technical level dropped.
England would have been my favorite with Aneke and Morisson ( a trio with McEchran would be very skillfull). now it’s 50 / 50 for me, McEchran being the only creative player.
Afobe struggled, but the service from midfield was pretty awful
Chabolah, Barkley, Hall and Garbutt are still predominantly athletic players as opposed technical players however Chabolah & Garbutt are better technically than recent standards u17 player picked.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/38708/Arsenal_eye_starlet_Paco_.aspx