After the England U19 beat France 3-1 after extra time on Thursday, they move into the final today against host nation the Ukraine.
Nile Ranger – second half sub in semi-final win over France
Nile Ranger of Newcastle United was brought on as a second half substitute on Thursday, and played in overtime where two goals from the England side saw them comfortably though to today’s final.
Two goals in the first period of extra time from Aston Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso put England comfortably though on Thursday.
In fact but for the heroics of France goalkeeper Pillot, England would have gone through in normal time.
England goalkeeper Steele had no chance in the 8th minute as the quick Yacine Brahimi made his way down the left far too easily before pulling a ball back for Gueye, who swept the b all home from eight yards with his left foot.
The England equaliser arrived in the 38th minute. Danny Drinkwater’s free-kick from the edge of the area hit the France defensive wall, and when ball landed at the feet of Henri Lansbury, he made no mistake and smashed a low shot into the goal, giving Pillot no chance.
England U19s Head Coach Brian Eastick is rightly proud to have taken his side into the European Championship final, and is now urging his team to bring back the title as a tribute to Newcastle’s former manager, Sir Bobby Robson.
Eastick admits the former England manager is one of his mentors, having worked closely with him whilst he was the Academy Director at Newcastle United, when Bobby was manager at the time.
The sad news of Sir Bobby’s death broke of course on Friday morning, just hours after England had beaten France in the semi-final to secure their place in today’s final with Ukraine and Eastick was keen to pay his own tribute to the great man:
“Unfortunately, we lost Sir Bobby Robson on Friday,” “He was a fantastic coach for England and certainly our most successful coach abroad at places like Barcelona, Porto and PSV.”
“I had the privilege of working for him for two years at Newcastle United and he was not only a great coach, but a great man. ” “He was really passionate about English football and always wanted England to do well.”
“So if we are fortunate enough to win this marvellous trophy, it would be in tribute to him.”
We expect the young lads to be inspired to indeed win the European Trophy today, and that will be a fitting victory and tribute to the great man.
Comments welcome.
1 comment so far
ginkoh
Aug 2, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Comment #1Eng 0 – 2 Ukraine now. 61 mins