England reach Elite

England moved a step closer to reaching the European Championships after finishing second to Spain in the First Qualifying Round.

After thrashing the Faroe Islands and Lithuania, the young Lions met Spain already assured of a place in the Elite Round - the final stage of qualifying games before the Euros.

But England were not content with just that, they wanted to beat Spain and return home as group winners.

However, wayward finishing denied them that opportunity and despite creating a whole host of chances they had to be content with a 0-0 draw.

"It was an entertaining goalless draw," said Tracey Kevins, who took charge of the side while Mo Marley was in China for the Women's World Cup.

"We performed really well for 90 minutes and created some really good chances, but we just did not have that killer touch in front of goal. There was not enough of a cutting edge."

Kevins added that England merited the points but conceded that Spain, with a better goal difference, deserved to top the group.

"We deserved the win the game but over the tournament, Spain have been the more clinical in front of goal," she added. "That's the standard we need aim for. We want to strive towards being better in front of goal.

"But we will come home in a positive mood. The main aim was to qualify and we've done that. We will analysis this trip before we meet up again in three weeks to play France."

England: 1 Becky Spencer, 2 Chelsea Weston (14 Michelle Hinnigan, 80 mins), 3 Georgia Giddings, 4 Sophie Walton, 5 Jane Eadie, 6 Sophie Bradley, 7 Jess Clarke, 17 Brooke Chaplen (8 Livi Edwards, 75 mins), 9 Ellen White (c), 10 Remi Allen, 11 Claire Rafferty.

Subs not used: 12 Faye McCoy, 13 Helen Alderson, 15 Gemma Bonner, 16 Jade Moore, 18 Toni Duggan.