Paul Fairclough's side progress thanks to results elsewhere

England C reached the last four of the International Challenge Trophy yesterday without even kicking a ball. 

With Italy needing to beat Russia to pip Paul Fairclough's team to a semi-final berth, they came up short with a 1-1 draw in Frosinone.

So, despite remaining unbeaten in their three Group A fixtures, Italy finished a point behind England and miss out on progress.

England now face a tough last-four match with a strong Turkey B side, although they will have home advantage when the teams meet in the new year. Group A winners Russia face Norway in the other game.

Fairclough was delighted with his side’s progress, saying: “This was a tough group and the side has had to work hard to progress. 

"We took an under-strength side to Russia and although we went down 4-0, the scoreline didn't reflect the way the team performed against a side packed with players from Russia’s top clubs. 

"In the other two games, the players had to raise their game hugely in coming from behind to snatch a stoppage time equaliser against Italy before producing what was probably the best performance of a team under my control in beating Belgium 2-1 in October.

“I am really excited at the possibility of meeting Turkey for the first time. We will choose the venue carefully to ensure a good crowd."