England 0-0 Italy

UEFA Under 17 Championship, Group B
Friday 9th May 2003
Municipal de Chaves
5pm kick off

England and Italy fought out a goalless draw in Chaves this afternoon, a result that will disappoint both sides, as they look to gain entry into the European Championship semi-finals.

On a positive note, England's fine defensive record now extends to only one goal against in seven games, and that coming from the penalty spot against Israel on Wednesday, but the cutting edge was lacking up-front from John Peacock's boys as they failed to capitalise on their possession.

Leeds United's James Milner did have the ball in the net just before half-time after finishing a rebounded shot off the post, but the linesman's flag signalled for offside and the goal was chalked off.

The result keeps England in second spot behind Spain, who beat Israel 3-0 earlier in the day to confirm their place in the final, and they now need a draw from their final Group B match against the Spanish on Sunday to be sure of a place in the last four, and a win would see them top the table.

Italy on the other hand sit in third place three points behind England and face Israel, who are yet to win any points from their first two games, and know that if they are victorious, and England come unstuck against powerful and skilful Spain, it could be the Azzurri who goes through.

England: Heaton, Cranie, S. Taylor, Lennon, Leadbitter, Morrison, McMahon, Doyle, Milner, Forte, A. Taylor
Subs: Ifil, Giddings, Huddlestone, Moore, Bowditch, Martin, Jarvis

Italy: Virgili, Motta, Criscito, Andreoli, Marzoratti, Stucchi, Bottone, Bovo, Morosini, Pozzi, Lupoli
Subs: Paolucci, Bindi, Bagarolli, Vitale, Formichetti, Morsid, Rossi

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