It was third time unlucky for England in Denmark, as Noel Blake's young charges lost out to Sweden.

England 0-2 Sweden
International U17 Youth Tournament
The Nordic Championships
Thursday 2 August 2007
Ikast, Denmark

Sweden pipped England at the post in Ikast to deny Noel Blake's side a place in Saturday's final, securing the victory with a trademark example of counter attacking football.

England began the game as favourites to top Group A having already seen off Iceland and Finland on Monday and Tuesday respectively, with the Three Lions only needing a draw to progress in pole position the pressure was on Sweden.

The tables were turned just a quarter of an hour into the game however as Robin Soder capitalised on some good fortune to give the Swedes an early advantage. With Sweden on the attack a challenge bounced fortunately for the young striker who showed composure in front of goal to take the ball past Dean Lyness and slot it home.

From that point onwards England were up against it as Sweden grew in confidence and defended in numbers. The pressure grew towards the end of the first period and England had claims for a penalty waved away, but they could not level the scores.

Knowing that just one goal would put them into the final, England gradually became more adventurous as the second period went on but they were given an even greater task when Soder doubled his tally and put Sweden further out of reach.

From an England corner Sweden attacked swiftly and Soder was the man on the end of the move once more. It was slightly unfair on England who had dominated the second half to that point, but credit to the Swedes for their clinical approach in front of goal. 

England now await the final results from Group B to see who will be their opponents in the third place playoff on Saturday.

England: 1 Dean Lyness, 14 Luke O'Neill, 15 Chris Stokes, 6 Scott Wootton, 2 Chris Solly, 8 Sean Highdale, 4 John Bostock (c), 7 Ashley Hemmings (Ashley Sammons 69), 10 Dan Philliskirk (9 Ryan Donaldson 45 (5 Jack Rodwell 80)), 17 Jorrin John (4 Matthew Briggs 59), 18 Jamie Sheldon (11 Conor Henderson 74)
Subs not used: 13 Sam Walker, 16 Jordon Mutch

Goals: Soder 18, 67

Coach: Noel Blake