England held in French opener
Wednesday, 05 October, 2011
Hosts claw back twice for a 2-2 draw to deny Noel Blake's side.
By Nicholas Veevers
England U19s were denied an opening game victory in the Limoges Tournament in France, as the host nation came back from behind on two occasions to salvage a 2-2 draw.
In what was a good performance by Noel Blake's side, they were unfortunate not to win the game with France equalising just moments before full-time and then preventing a late England winner with a clearance off the line to deny Jack Robinson a second goal.
Noel Blake's side had edged ahead in the 22nd minute in fine style too, as a flowing move was started by Robinson at the back and took in link-up play between Nico Yennaris, Saido Berahino and Larnell Cole before Manchester United forward Will Keane finished the move off. However, England failed to hold onto their lead until half-time as Yaya Sanogo levelled things up just before the break.
The Young Lions then went ahead with what they hoped would be the winner in the 77th minute when Liverpool defender Robinson scored with a clever, low free-kick from the edge of the area which picked out the bottom corner.
But the French weren't to be denied and snatched an eqaualiser just two minutes from time as Jean Christophe Bahebeck scored to level things up.
England will now play Portugal in their second game on Friday afternoon.