England 4-2 Sweden

England v Sweden
Nordic Tournament
2.30pm, Monday 31 July "006
Torshavn, Faroe Islands

England's Under-17s made a winning start to the Nordic Tournament with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Scandinavian rivals Sweden.

Kenny Swain's side were pegged back twice after taking an early lead through a firm header from Arsenal's Moses Barnett just six minutes into the match.

When Jakob Johansson drew the Swedes level fifteen minutes later England responded with a superb goal from Rhys Murphy to push the Three Lions back into the lead, although they were unable to hold on until half-time and Sweden had Ivo Pekalski to thank for going into the interval all-square.

Playing their first international of the new season the England players came out in the second period with renewed vigour and took the victory they deserved thanks to two fine goals from Adam Smith and Jack Ainsley in the dying moments.

Speaking to TheFA.com, Kenny Swain was full of praise for his team: "It was a really good performance from the lads out there and they can be very proud of themselves with the way they handled the game.

"To come back after two equalisers, playing against a team that are a year older than many of our lads, that shows a lot of character - and there was some great football played I have to say.

"It bodes well for the new season that the players have such hunger for the game, and credit must go to the clubs for the preparation during pre-season that they have come back in such good shape."

England: 1 Jason Steele, 2 Liam Darville, 3 Reid, 4 Harvey (14 Gordon 69), 5 Spence (Capt) (12 Smith 76), 6 Mattock, 7 Fraser-Allen (17 Plummer 54), 8 Rose, 9 Murphy, 10 Franks, 11 Barnett (18 Ainsley 54)
Subs Not Used: 13 Woods, 15 Askham, 16 Welbeck

England Goals: Barnett 6, Murphy 29, Smith 79, Ainsley 80+2

Sweden Goals: Johansson 22, Pekalski 31