Peacock takes positives

A downcast John Peacock said he would take the positives from England's World Cup campaign after the young Lions were dumped out by Germany.

Peacock's charges were overwhelmed by their old rivals at the Quarter Final stage, conceding four second half goals to a team whose finishing was ruthlessly clinical.

But the Head Coach preferred to focus on the plus points from England's first ever World Cup at U17 level.

"We are all disappointed but we have come a very long way this season," he said. "To reach the Quarter Final of a World Cup is a huge achievement but it was a bridge too far for us tonight. There is a thin dividing line between success and failure, but we came up against a good side in Germany.

"This is our first venture into the World Cup at U17 level so to get to the Quarter Final is very creditable. I think many lessons can be learnt from it."

After a goalless first half where clear-cut chances were scarce, particularly from England's point of view, the Germans hit the afterburners to streak into the Semi Finals.

England did have a glimmer of hope when Rhys Murphy pulled a goal back to make it 2-1, but Germany were just too good.

"I think tactically we got it right," said Peacock. "At half-time I said we needed to be a bit more positive with our passes and try and prise them open with some clever play. We also mentioned that the first goal would be important. They then got a second goal which knocked us back.

"We changed it, we needed to try and get more play in the attacking third. It was an excellent finish from Rhys who I thought did very well tonight. That put us back in the game, I was hoping we could sustain that. But we let in a sloppy goal soon after that."

England's World Cup on the field has been a real mixed bag. After drawing with Korea DPR, the young Lions thrashed New Zealand before narrowly edging past Brazil in an enthralling game which will live long in the memory.

The Three Lions then beat Syria before falling to the might of the Germans.

But Peacock has been delighted with his players both on and off the park. From the team karaoke to their ritual of shaking each member of staff's hand before breakfast, the youngsters have adapted supremely well to tournament life.

"I will take nothing away from the boys, they have been magnificent, a credit to their country," said Peacock.

Sunday's defeat is Peacock's last game in charge of this current age group. However, he can look back with pride at a season where they reached the Final of the European Championships and performed well at a World Cup.

"It's been an immense pleasure to take this group of players and staff," he said. "There are far more positives than negatives. I just wish all the players the very best. They have been a credit.

"I have enjoyed the World Cup immensely. I will be disappointed to see the players move on because I have enjoyed my time with them, but I look forward to seeing their progress develop back at their clubs."

But Peacock has little time for sentiment as next month he will take the new batch of U17s to Estonia as they bid to qualify for the Euros.

"As one door closes another door opens and next month I have a new group to work with," he said. "I will go away and recharge my batteries."