Swain's praise for Young Lions
Friday, 25 November, 2011
Head Coach congratulates players after 4-2 win over Scotland.
by James Marshall
Kenny Swain was full of praise for his players after they signed off their Victory Shield campaign in style with a 4-2 win over Scotland.
Jordan Brown scored twice in the first half either side of an Alex Iwobi goal. Paul McMullan pulled a goal back for the Scots but Mason Bennett made it 4-1 to England before a Craig Storie penalty completed the scoring.
This was England’s third straight win in the competition and the eleventh straight Victory Shield title.
“Throughout the competition I have been very pleased with our performances,” said Swain. “We have had a good look at a lot of players over the three games and I am happy with what we have produced.
“Over the three games I think we were well worthy of retaining the Shield and we will look to carry this on in the future with this age group. I am pleased with how they are progressing. These players have a bright future in the game. Football is a difficult profession to be in at times so it will be tough but they definitely have the potential to succeed in the game.
“I thought we deserved the victory in the end tonight and always looked in control of the game, despite conceding two goals.”
Swain also reserved some special words for Scotland boss Ross Mathie, who took charge of the team for the final time.
“Ross Mathie has been a fantastic servant not just for the Scottish FA but for youth football in general,” he said. “He has been a great competitor and a great friend over the years. He is well respected not just in the UK but around Europe and he will be a great loss to the Scottish FA and I wish him every bit of luck in the future.”