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26 May 2018
England snatch a tough win over China
The Young Three Lions were stronger. For the opening game, the title holders started their tournament with a win over China (2-1) at the Stade de Lattre of Aubagne. The English beat a brave but weaker Chinese squad.
Sun Jihai's team was close to make it. Despite an interesting first half, China lost against not as inspired as expected but efficient England. After a surprising first half during which they showed a huge determination and a tactical rigour, Chinese couldn't manage to keep the lead after the rest.
The start of the game was tough for China. Against pressing and attacking English players, they were dominated during the first fifteen minutes. The British created themselves their first dangerous situation by Dowell. Armstrong made the difference on his wing and crossed for the Chelsea giant Abraham and the Everton midfielder concluded with a header. But the goal was denied after an offside.
The Aidy Boothroyd's players tried their chance again but the effort from the Everton starlet Tomori was off target. After twenty minutes, England conceded a goal from Yan who found the net thanks to a beautiful header.
The tempo of the game was less intense in the second half. The Young Lions recovered the ball possession but struggled to create real chances to score. Eventually, the Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry levelled the scores thanks to a header. Then, China were reduced to ten men as the captain Sun have been sent off after a harsh challenge on Hamza Choudhury. England benfited from this situation as the Chelsea striker netted the winner from close rang just before the final whistle. It was difficult but the English players started the tournament with a win !
Azir Said Mohamed Cheik
Credits photo : Magali Ruffato
England- China : 2-1
Matchday 1 - Group A
Stade De Lattre, Aubagne
Goals : Fry (51'), Abraham (78') // Yan (19')
England : Woodman, Kenny, Cook, Fry, Tomory (Walker-Peters 44'), Dowell, Davies, Abraham, Armstrong, Clarke-Salter, Dasilva (Choudhury Hamza 52')
Coach : Boothroyd Aidy
China : Fan, Guo, Wen (Liu Yue 54'), Liu, Cong, Sun, Xie, Yan (Gao 71'), Feng (Zhang 64'), Tong (Jiang 54'), Wu
Coach : Sun Jihai
