The Young Three Lions will defend their title the 9th of June in Martigues. After a tough game, the English beat Scotland (1-3). To win their third trophy in a row, the Aidy Boothroyd's men will have to beat Mexico.
The English squad earn their ticket for the final. The Young Three Lions did not accomplish their best game but will be in Martigues the 9th June to defend their title against Marco Antonio Ruiz Garcia’s men, qualified few minutes earlier.
England was near to the worst. Especially after a tough start of the game, when they had the possession of the ball and played in the opponent side but couldn’t create real scoring opportunities. The Lewis Cook’s band makes the ball run without finding the solution. The transmissions are slow. The Scottish block is compact and perfectly organized. Thanks to Billy Gilmour’s technical quality, they find Hornby, the Blue number 9. The giant Scottish wins every duel.
The Tartan Army sees their efforts rewarded. Scotland take the lead by Johnston. At 30th minute, the Celtic FC midfield does a solo play in the English defence. He dribbles three English players and finishes his play with crossed curled shot. Woodman can’t do anything.
Scotland successfully scores on their second scoring opportunity, after Burke hitted the post a few minutes later.
England step up their pace
The game is tough. Defences supplants forwards. The tension intensifies. But Scotland get back to the changing room leading to the score.
Five minutes after they are back on the pitch, Aidy Boothroyd’s boys equalise. After a beautiful solo play, Nketias crosses for Connolly, who scores and wake up his team. The young Three Lions accelerate and don’t let the Scottish breath. Oliver Burke’s band can’t get out of their camp. Nketiah takes advantage of the situation and put England ahead, concluding with a curled shot (49’). At the 69th minute, the young Arsenal striker buries last hopes for Scotland.To keep their trophy, the English players will have to step up their game against Mexicans, they already met during the group phase (0-0). The stadium Francis Turcan of Martigues will host a beautiful final.
Azir Said Mohamed Cheik
Credits photo : Eric Estrade
Scotland - England : 1-3
Semi-final
Stade de Lattre, Aubagne
Goals : Johnston (30') for Scotland / Connolly (45'), Nketiah (49', 69')
Scotland : McCrorie – Taylor, Porteous, Kerr, Ralston – Wilson, Gilmour, Campbell (Watt, 77') – Johnston, Hornby, Burke (c) (Middleton, 76')
Coach : Scot Gemmill
England : Woodman – Kenny, Fry (Tomori, 73'), Clarke-Salter – Dowell, Vieira (Choudhury, 67'), Cook (c), Connolly (Konsa, 80'), Dasilva – Nketiah, Armstrong (Abraham, 78')
Coach : Aidy Boothroyd
Referees : Mr Ortiz Nava (MEX), Mr Camargo (MEX), Mr Quintero (MEX)