In a tight group A, all the teams could have qualified for the semi-finals going into the final round of matches and England needed to avoid a 2-0 defeat to guarantee qualification.

The Three Lions started the game with confidence, moving the ball quickly and penetrating deep into the Germany half. In the first minute Ronnie Watson produced clever play on the right wing and delivered a cross which Chris Kempsley could only put wide.

This possession did not deter a young German team who took the lead in the 11th minute when Andreas Timms benefited from a weak headed back pass to lob a stranded Wesley Jackman. With the score at 1-0, the England bench wondered whether a shock could be on the cards?

England continued to enjoy the majority of possession but could not find the goal they required. On 39 minutes Grant Smith made a surging run only to see his shot ricochet off the German post.

The opening exchanges in the second half saw England make an explosive start. Grant Smith playing an anchor role in the centre of the midfield found Paul Walters on the edge of the box. His pass to James Morris resulted in a hanging cross which Lele Bedaja powerfully headed England home to bring Lynch's Lions on level terms.

Nine minutes later Germany were effectively eliminated from the tournament, after clever play down the left between Morris and Kempsley resulted in a driven cross to the near post, which Watson finished with a delicate flick.

Once England were in front the Germany team tired quickly, with David Young outstanding in the centre of defence, Wesley Jackman keeping goal to the highest standards and Grant Smith a revelation in the centre of midfield. Lele Badjala has now scored in each of England's three games in the tournament and has also been a real find in his first international tournament.

 

Team Manager Lyndon Lynch speaking to TheFA.com said after the match:

"We are delighted to have qualified today after another tough group game. This championship is testing our resolve, the players have been asked a question in the last two games by conceding the first goal but they have responded well by winning both games against teams ranked second and fourth in the world (Holland and Germany).

"Even though we won all our group games, we have only shown flashes of our best football but we will continue to work hard to prepare for our semi final on Saturday".

Team:

Wesley Jackman, Danny Lineker (Daniel Cole 65), James Morris, David Young, Bradley Brotherton, Ronnie Watson, Paul Walters (Sam Marks 75), Grant Smith, Chris Kempsley, Lele Bedaja (Brian Wheeldon 72), Rudi Hall.  

 

Did you Know?

To qualify for the England Learning Disability squad for international INAS-FID international tournaments, players must meet the following criteria:

- Players must have an intellectual disability, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- To meet this standard the player’s IQ score must be within or below the range of 70-75.
- Their intellectual disability must have been evident during the developmental period (0-18 years).
- Players must be in receipt of at least two of the following: special education; special accommodation; special employment , special protection; respite care; financial support. 

If you would like to find out more about local opportunities to get involved in Disability football, please contact your County FA Football Development team.