Late show for Young Lions
Tuesday, 03 April, 2012
Two late goals sees Montaigu Tournament opener with Japan end all square.
England's opening game of the 2012 Montaigu Tournament ended all square on Tuesday evening, following a late flurry of goals against Japan.
Kenny Swain's side were keen on starting the Tournament in western France, celebrating its 40th year, with a victory but found themselves up against a tough and efficient unit in Japan.
It was a relatively tight game throughout and it looked as though a goal-less draw was on the cards for much of the match, until Japan edged ahead in the last minute through midfielder Taro Sugimoto.
The Young Lions refused to give up though and responded in the best fashion by hitting back in stoppage time. A spell of pressure saw a shot from Max Clark come crashing back off the cross-bar before the Japanese rearguard desperatley scrambled it clear for a corner.
However, when defender Callum Jones of West Bromwich Albion climbed highest in the box to flick the ball home from the resulting flag-kick, England were back level.
Swain's side are next in action on Thursday evening, when they face Morocco.