The Young Lions finished top of their qualifying group following a goalless draw with Portugal.

UEFA U17 Championship Qualifiers
Group 11
Friday 26 October 2007
Estonia

England finished top of their qualifying group following a goalless draw with Portugal on Friday.

After blasting 12 goals past Malta and Estonia, the clash with Portugal was a more sedate affair with defences dominating the Group 11 decider.

The Young Lions had the best chance of the game when second half substitute Nathan Delfouneso charged clear only to be thwarted by the Portugal keeper.

But Head Coach John Peacock was a satisfied man - top of the group, qualification for the Elite Round and no goals conceded in three games.

"We played some good football," said Peacock. "We went out to win the game and had the lion's share of the first half. We dominated the start of the second half too but had to hold on at the end.

"But we played some good football and it was important that we did not concede."

Peacock was particularly pleased with the defence which remained rock solid throughout the whole tournament ensuring goalkeepers Wesley Foderingham and Dean Lyness were unbeaten.

"One of the aims was to not concede a goal and we did that," said Peacock. "I changed the team around on Friday so I could have a look at everyone and that included the defence.

"I left out my two centre halves from the first two games, Jack Rodwell and Thomas Cruise, as I wanted to have a look at a few ideas. It worked too."

The draw for the Elite Round, which must be completed by March next year, takes place in Cannes at the end of November.

"We don't know the draw yet but the important thing is that we are there," he said. "The lads will have to work hard before the Elite Round though.

"We will have the Algarve Tournament in February. That will be a good chance to get some tournament football in."

England: Wesley Foderingham, Ben Gordon, Matthew James, Matthew Briggs, Chris Solly, Oliver Norwood, Dean Parrett, Jack Wilshere (John Bostock, 62 mins), Andros Townsend (Nathan Delfouneso, 56 mins), Harry Forrester (Jack Rodwell, 75 mins), Ryan Donaldson.
Subs not used: Dean Lyness, Thomas Cruise, Luke O'Neill, Cameron Stewart.