England leave Nordics on a high
Sunday, 07 August, 2011
Young Lions defeat Finland 3-2 in Akureyri.
The England U17 team ended their Nordic Tournament campaign on a winning note after defeating Finland 3-2 in Akureyri, Iceland.
They began this annual round robin competition in fine fettle, putting four unanswered goals past Faroe Islands. A 1-1 draw with a strong Norway team followed just 24 hours later, before the Young Lions narrowly lost to the host nation on Friday afternoon.
A Lewis Baker goal on 13 minutes put England ahead against Finland, but Joonas Jokinen levelled just two minutes later. Chuba Akpom put England ahead once more with his third goal in four Nordic games and Connor Randall extended the lead in the second half. Vahid Hambo reduced arrears but Kenny Swain’s side held on for victory and a fifth place finish in the tournament.
Next up for this age group is The FA International Tournament at the end of August. England will welcome Italy, Portugal and Czech Republic to these shores for another annual competition, which the hosts lifted last season.
Akpom and Shay Facey have been called up to the squad for this tournament. England begin against Italy on 24 August.