England

2-1

Scotland

Ajose 48, Delfouneso 54

 

McHugh 38


The Sky Sports Victory Shield
8.05pm, Friday 8 December 2006
Scunthorpe United FC, Glanford Park
Live on Sky Sports

England U16s coach Kenny Swain praised his players for their mental strength and bravery to keep playing football despite going a goal behind to rivals Scotland in the Victory Shield decider.

Dominant in possession and a constant threat to their opponents England were unfortunate to go into the break 1-0 down following a Robert McHugh strike, but did not flinch and eventually their patience was rewarded.

"We couldn't settle too well at the start of the game and to be fair to Scotland, they put us under a bit of pressure and we expected that," Kenny told TheFA.com. 

"It was the first real test for them, but I feel they came through it and they got a bit stronger as the first half came to a close.

"We conceded a silly goal which knocked us back a little mentally, but they're very resilient and they have come from behind so all credit to them. Not just to perform as they did technically but also mentally it took a lot.

"They really showed some intent very early on and maintained it, even when we were 2-1 up and the Scots were looking for an equaliser, they kept going for that third goal."

Kenny also admitted that, as was the case against Wales, the Young Lions were thwarted on numerous occasions by an adept young goalkeeper in Grant Adam.

"The Scottish staff who we know very well and get along with very well said afterwards that they were pleased with their performance and their goalkeeper in particular can come away with a lot of credit."

The switching of ties at the last minute due to a waterlogged pitch at York could not have gone smoother in Kenny's opinion.

"All parties have done really well today, we are indebted to Scunthorpe United Football Club for making such a quick turnaround on this one, and obviously the staff at The FA from an organisational point of view and Sky for really turning things around extremely quickly.

"It's full marks for everyone because it's ended up being a really good atmosphere with a great surface to play on and a nice little stadium for the boys to experience."

Teams:

England: 1 Declan Rudd (Norwich City), 2 Chris Solly (Charlton Athletic), 3 David Brown (Sunderland) (12 Adam Smith (Tottenham Hotspur) 40), 4 Sean Highdale (Liverpool), 5 Jack Rodwell (Everton) (c), 6 Thomas Cruise (Arsenal), 7 Nicky Ajose (Manchester United), 8 Dean Parrett (QPR) (15 Harry Forrester (Watford) 40), 9 Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa), 10 Oliver Norwood (Manchester United), 11 John Bostock (Crystal Palace) (17 Sanchez Watt (Arsenal) 73)

Subs: 13 Wesley Foderingham (Fulham), 14 Ryan Mason (Tottenham Hotspur), 16 James Ellison (Liverpool), 18 Mitchell McPike (Birmingham City

Scotland: 1 Grant Adam (Rangers), 2 Stephen Forbes (Rangers), 3 John Wood (Hearts) (15 Ryan Martin (Motherwell) 40), 4 Scott Durie (Rangers), 5 Daniel Wilson (Rangers), 6 Jamie Ness (Rangers) (17 Sean Fitzharris (Celtic) 73), 7 Daniel Thomson (Hearts), 8 Robert McHugh (Motherwell), 9 Archie Campbell (Rangers), 10 John Fleck (Rangers) (c), 11 Gregg Wilde (Rangers)

Subs: 13 James Wood (Manchester City), 14 Gordon Smith (Livingston), 16 David Love (Hearts), 18 Alex Cooper (Ross County), 19 David McAuliffe (Motherwell)

Attendance: 2,282