Italy 1-1 England

UEFA Preparatory Tournament
4pm, Wednesday 11 October 2006
Pasching, Austria

England U19s finished the UEFA Preparatory Tournament undefeated against the top teams in Europe, but were unable to get the victory they needed to win the group.

Following draws with Spain and Austria, Brian Eastick's side went into this game knowing that a victory over the Italians would see them emerge from the week as the victors.

It was not to be however as Italy denied the Young Lions the win they wanted, but despite falling short of a triumph in Pasching they will be pleased that the top three teams at this level could not defeat them.

It was the Italian substitute Lorenz Bianchini who gave the Azzurri the lead just after half time, but England were not to be denied and fought back valiantly for the remainder of the game.

West Ham United's Hogan Ephraim scored the equaliser, a penalty with just ten minutes left, and the Young Lions had chances to snatch victory with the Italians reduced to ten men as a result of the penalty award - Francesco Pambianchi was the player who was dismissed.

All in all it was an important experience for these players as they look to qualify for the European U19 Championship next year, and hese three games in under a week will stand them in good stead.

England:  1 David Button (Tottenham Hotspur), 2 Mark Little (Wolverhampton Wanderers), 3 Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), 4 Fabrice Muamba (on loan to Birmingham City), 6 Michael Mancienne (Chelsea), 7 Giles Barnes (Derby County), 9 Craig Lindfield (Liverpool) (15 Kelvin Etuhu (Man City) 56), 10 Hogan Ephraim (West Ham Utd), 11 Adam Hammill (Liverpool), 12 Michael Johnson (Man City), 16 Elliot Omozusi (Fulham),
Subs not used: 13 Luke Daniels (West Brom), 8 Rossi Jarvis (Norwich City), 5 Seb Hines (Middlesbrough),  17 Paul Anderson (Liverpool), 18 Adam Lallana (Southampton), 14 Sam Hewson (Man Utd)

England Goals: Ephraim pen 80

Italy Goals: Bianchini 56