John Peacock admitted Germany were well worthy of their 4-0 victory over England in the UEFA European U17 Championship, but insisted his players will be ready for their final group match against Turkey on Tuesday.

Two goals in each half consigned Peacock’s side to defeat in Jena as Germany progressed to the semi-final, and this result means that England’s own qualification is now out of their hands. They must beat Turkey to have any chance of reaching the last four, but they will also be aware that a draw would be enough to book their place at the FIFA U17 World Cup later this year. Turkey lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in today's other Group B game.

"I’ve got no complaints about the defeat," Peacock conceded after the match.

"It was difficult for us today. Germany were very well organised and they got their goals at the right time. The first goal was always going to be important and although we didn’t start well against Holland on Wednesday, today we started really well, certainly for the first ten minutes. But once the first goal went in it was difficult to get back into the game."

England also suffered a double injury setback as Jonjo Shelvey picked up a slight thigh strain and had to be taken off in the fist half, while Ryan Tunnicliffe had a knee complaint after the match. While he awaits further news on these injuries, Peacock knows he will be without Jose Baxter in Gotha after the Everton man picked up his second yellow card of the tournament.

"There’s been a bit of damage done by the result today, but we’ll be fine by Tuesday," Peacock said.

"Some poor defending on our part perhaps cost us today, but take nothing away from Germany; they deserved the win and I wish them all the best for the semi-final.

"We have to show a lot of character to come back from this defeat because we’ve got a very important game against Turkey on Tuesday if we want to qualify for the World Finals. It’s in our hands and we’re looking forward to the challenge. We’ll be ready."