Winning start for England
Thursday, 02 February, 2012
Young Lions beat hosts Portugal in Algarve Tournament opener.
England U17s got off to a winning start in 2012 and the annual Algarve Tournament on Thursday afternoon, by beating host nation Portugal in the competition's opening game.
John Peacock's side are in the Algarve for the Tournament as they step-up their preparation for the UEFA Elite Qualifying Round next month and it took a last minute goal from captain Leo Chambers of West Ham United to seal a second win against the Portuguese this season following August's 1-0 victory in Northampton.
The Young Lions made a bright start to the game and caught their hosts cold in just the fifth minute as Newcastle United striker Adam Campbell opened the scoring on his debut for the U17s.
England had to show their resolve though, as Portugal finished the first half strongly and put the defence under increasing pressure as the first 40 minutes drew to a close with Peacock's side fortunate to go into the break with their lead in-tact.
The second half saw both teams make a string of substitutions and Portugal levelled things up shortly after their first set of replacements through Cristian in the 53rd minute.
It looked as though the game was going to end all square, but England kept going and got their winner in the final minute when Chambers headed home a free-kick to seal their victory.
England are next in action on Saturday afternoon, when they face the Netherlands in their second of three games.