England U19s slip up in semis

England’s youngsters missed the chance to reach the final of the U19 European Championship after slipping to a 2-1 defeat to Italy.

A freak late own goal from Alberto Picchi (85) offered hope of forcing extra-time but Aidy Boothroyd’s side were undone by the left boot of Federico Dimarco, who converted a first-half penalty and then bent a glorious free-kick into the top corner on the hour.

England had eased through the group stage with three wins from three but though they enjoyed prolonged spells of possession in Mannheim, they failed to carry enough threat where it mattered, just four of their 21 attempts at goal on target.

Chelsea’s Dominic Solanke, Everton’s Jonjoe Kenny and Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman were among those hoping to follow their U17 Euro success with glory in Germany but despite a third semi-final failure at this level, England’s progress to the last four has at least secured their place at next year’s U20 World Cup.

Kenny offered early threat down the right as the rain fell, but Izzy Brown twice failed to direct subsequent headers on …

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