Lions held to draw in Carpi
Tuesday, 12 April, 2011
Saido Berahino's goal cancelled out by Italian equaliser.
England U18s had to settle for a draw in Carpi on Tuesday afternoon in what was their final game of the 2010-11 campaign.
It had looked as though Noel Blake's team were set for victory after Saido Berahino had given the Young Lions a deserved lead just before half-time.
Collecting a cross from West Bromwich Albion team-mate George Thorne, Berahino took full advantage of a slip from Italian defender Giuseppe Prestia before striking an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 18 yards out.
After netting against Poland in the U18s' previous game this season last November, it took the striker's tally to two goals in two games.
However, the hosts improved in the second half and got themselves level when substitute Stefano Beltrame netted in the 62nd minute.
Blake took the chance to use all of his squad in the second half, which saw England debuts for the likes of Conor Thomas, Tom Hopper, Curtis Nelson and George Long.