England Under-19s land Euro Respect and Fair Play award

Wednesday 10 Aug 2016
England U19s

England Under-19s have won the Respect and Fair Play trophy at the recent 2016 Euro finals.

The award is given out by UEFA in recognition of fewest red and yellow cards received, respect towards opponents and the officials and general positive behaviour and conduct throughout the tournament.

Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions were dominant on their way to qualifying for the semi-finals with impressive 2-1 victories over France, Netherlands and Croatia.

England Under-19s celebrate their dramatic win over the Netherlands at the 2016 UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals

The U19s beat France, Netherlands and Croatia during their Euro Finals campaign last month

The three wins from three games in Germany saw England top Group B and guarantee themselves a place in next summer’s FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea.

But Italy’s U19s, however, proved too strong in their semi-final and progressed at England’s expense courtesy of two set-piece goals in a 2-1 win.

Second in the Respect and Fair Play ranking were the Dutch followed by eventual champions France in third.

Speaking about the Trophy, UEFA’s Head of National Team Competitions Lance Kelly said: "The behaviour of your [England U19s] entire delegation, both on and off the pitch, was irreproachable and it was a real pleasure to work with them."

The U19s, who will be coached by Keith Downing this season, are back in action next month when they face the Netherlands at AFC Telford's New Bucks Head Stadium on Thursday 1 September, with tickets on sale now.

And Boothroyd will take charge of his U19s squad again, as they move into the U20 age group and begin their World Cup preparations against Brazil in Kidderminster on Sunday 4 September, with tickets also on sale for that game now.

By FA Staff