Israel 2-2 England

UEFA U17 Elite Round Tournament
Sunday 30 March 2008
Nes Ziona, Tel Aviv

England ended their failed Elite Round qualifying campaign by coming from behind to claim a morale-boosting draw with hosts Israel.

Just three days after a 3-2 loss to Russia ended their quest to reach the European Championship, the young Lions shelved that disappointment to share four goals with the tournament hosts.

England made a wonderful start when Jacob Mellis put his side ahead on 11 minutes, stroking home Ryan Donaldson's cut back to conclude a slick move.

The Chelsea starlet has also been in goalscoring form for his club in The FA Youth Cup this season.

Donaldson then squandered a glorious chance to double his side's lead. Having been fouled in the box, the Newcastle forward picked himself up but watched in horror as his penalty was saved.

While England's quest to reach the European Championship had already been terminated prior to kick-off, Israel harboured their own ambitions of reaching May's Finals. They needed to beat England and hope France would fail to beat Russia.

Israel gave themselves a chance when Mohammed Gadir levelled on 38 minutes.

Samir Hakim then struck after 62 minutes but England fought back and grabbed a share of the spoils when Aston Villa forward Nathan Delfouneso charged down the right, playing a one-two with Donaldson before slotting home.

France, who beat Russia, progressed through to the Euros.

England: Declan Rudd (Norwich City), Luke O'Neill (Leicester City), Matthew Briggs (Fulham, Ben Gordon, Chelsea, 60 mins), Kyle Bartley (Arsenal), Jack Rodwell (Everton), John Bostock (Crystal Palace), Jordan Mutch (Birmingham City), Jacob Mellis (Chelsea, Matty James, Manchester United, 29 mins), Harry Forrester (Aston Villa, Cameron Stewart, Manchester United, 77 mins), Ryan Donaldson (Newcastle), Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa).
Subs: Wesley Foderingham (Fulham), Chris Solly (Charlton), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Dean Parrett (Tottenham Hotspur).

England Goals: Mellis 11, Delfouneso 80

Israel Goals: Gadir 38, Hakim 62