England were dumped out of the Under-17 European Championships on goal difference despite beating Czech Republic 4-2 at Arena Egnatia on Monday.
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England U17 beat Czech Republic 4-2Dowman, Rodriguez, Howell & Gray scoreBow out of U17 European ChampionshipsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
England began the game like a house on fire and took the lead in the fifth minute when Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman went on a mazy run, before superbly firing into the corner from a very tight angle.
The in-form Alejandro Gomez Rodriguez bagged his fourth goal of the tournament when he calmly slotted home 10 minutes later.
Harry Howell bent in a superb effort from 15 yards eight minutes before the break, before Harry Gray pounced on a howler from Czech goalkeeper Adam Paar three minutes later.
The Czechs improved after the interval and grabbed a consolation just before the hour mark when Martin Palascak's header nestled in the far corner.
Gray and Rodriguez spurned good opportunities to put more gloss on the scoreline, and that came back to haunt them when Hugo Sochurek volleyed in one minute from time.
That meant their goal difference was one worse than second-placed Belgium, who lost 2-1 to group winners Italy. England are now out of the competition after picking up a win, a draw, and a loss apiece.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE MVP
Nobody covered themselves in glory in the second half from an England perspective, but Arsenal prodigy Dowman oozed quality at times and looks a real talent.
THE BIG LOSER
England's second-half performance lacked maturity and quality as they inexplicably let the Czech Republic back into the game. While they were never in danger of losing this match, their indiscipline and lack of composure saw them prematurely fall out of the tournament.
Getty Images SportWHAT COMES NEXT?
England will now have to lick their wounds and prepare for the Under-17 World Cup later this year.
