U16s draw with USA

In their second match in 24 hours, England U16s were held to a goalless draw by USA, but retain pole position to go through to the next round as group winners.

Playing with a more direct approach than in Tuesday's game with Ireland, Kenny Swain's side looked to stretch the American defence with a series of through passes and early crosses.

With eager running in the first period from Harry Forrester up front, England had opportunities to take the advantage and seal first place in Group D with two victories.

That was not to be though as America stood firm and were resolute in their defence. Particularly impressive for USA was their number three, Gale Agbossounonde who marshalled the defence well and did well to break up a number of promising attacks.

Declan Rudd also impressed in goal for England, especially in the early part of the second half when he was forced to claim a looping cross under severe pressure from the American forwards, but Rudd held on to the ball extremely well.

USA play Ireland in the final game of group D on Thursday, while England prepare for their next game which will be against their equivalent placing in group A.

England: 13 Declan Rudd, 14 Adam Smith, 3 Ben Gordon, 6 Thomas Cruise, 7 Matthew James (2 Chris Solly 77), 10 John Bostock (8 Dean Parrett 40), 11 Andros Townsend (15 Nicholas Ajose 64), 12 Adam Phillip, 16 Jacob Mellis (4 Oliver Norwood 58), 17 Mitchell McPike, 18 Harry Forrester (9 Nathan Delfouneso 73)
Subs Not Used: 1 Wesley Foderingham, 5 Kyle Bartley