England 1-3 France
UEFA European U19 Championship, Final
Windsor Park, Belfast
29 July 2005

England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson had words of encouragement for the England U19 side after they lost in the final of the European Championship.

Sven was at Windsor Park to see Martin Hunter's side take a first-half lead only to lose 3-1 to a powerful French team.

"It was a good football match," Sven said. "France played very good football - they were technically and physically very strong but England also played well.

"To reach the final of a European Championship is something special and something that very few young players experience. England can feel very proud of what they have achieved.

"Congratulations to Martin Hunter, the players and all the staff."

FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick was also at the game in Belfast and spoke of his pride at seeing England competing in a European Final.

"Reaching the final of a European Championship is a tremendous achievement and Martin Hunter, his staff and all the squad deserve congratulations for their fantastic performances here in Northern Ireland. Their campaign really captured the imagination.

"Their achievement underlines the fact that England is producing some excellent young players.

"It is a tribute to the development work being done in this country and we will look to use this tournament as a springboard for future international success."