Germany foil England

England fell at the final hurdle in the Montaigu Tournament, but despite defeat at the hands of Germany Kenny Swain could not hide his delight at the performance and resilience of his young side.

With dominant performances and three clean sheets against Ireland, USA and France, England prepared for their fourth game in eight days and a final with Germany.

Despite continuing the attractive and attacking football that had got them this far, and dominating in both possession and chances, the Three Lions were undone by two clinical strikes inside the first 17 minutes.

Marko Stietermann capitalised on hesitant defending to give Germany an early advantage, before doubling the advantage just 14 minutes later. It was harsh on England to trail by two goals, but their opponents showed great economy to take two chances in a game that would see little trouble for the English keeper Declan Rudd.

With Norwood and James showing confidence on the ball and Delfouneso and Forrester dangerous in attack, England always looked confident of getting back into the game, but the turnaround never came.

Head Coach Kenny Swain was proud of his players: "It's a disappointing result, and I think there is a case to say that the better team today hasn't won the game, but the players can hold their heads high."

"I'm delighted with how the players have played this week, the performance levels have gone up with each match and in terms of their progress as international players, they are right on course.

"Germany had two direct strikers that caused us problems early on, and they have take advantage of some sloppy defending from us, but we never stopped believing we could get back into the game.

"We controlled the game and played some of the best football of the tournament, but ultimately the damage was done in conceding two early goals."

Kenny looked ahead to England's next test at this level, with Spain the opposition at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 28 April.

"It's a bonus game for us, and not just in the tremendous spur of playing at Wembley, but in the fact that Spain will be one of the toughest tests you can get at this level.

"In playing the likes of France, Germany and Spain it will really aid the developement of these players at this level and I'm really happy on that front right now.

"It will be an exciting game and a tremendous occasion for youth football in England, the impressive crowd of over 38,000 recently in The FA Youth Cup Semi-Final between Arsenal and Man Utd was a fantastic example and hopefully we can get an even bigger crowd this time."

England: 13 Declan Rudd, 14 Adam Smith, 3 Ben Gordon (17 Mitchell McPike 68), 4 Oliver Norwood (10 John Bostock 65), 5 Kyle Bartley, 6 Thomas Cruise, 7 Matthew James, 9 Nathan Delfouneso, 18 Harry Forrester, 11 Andros Townsend (12 Adam Phillip 61), 16 Jacob Mellis (15 Nicholas Ajose 55)
Subs Not Used: 1 Wesley Foderingham, 2 Chris Solly

Goals: Stietermann 3, 17