Lois Fidler remains positive despite narrow defeat by Italy

Lois Fidler was upbeat despite England’s narrow defeat by Italy in their Women’s U17 Euro opener.

Federica Cavicchia scored the only goal of the game six minutes from time to deny the Three Lions a point in Telford.

But Fidler praised her players for their endeavour and the way they responded to playing in front of a home crowd of over 2,000.

The Head Coach said: "I’m disappointed for the players but I’m really proud of them.

"I think we were well organised, competitive and we showed a lot of heart and character. I’m disappointed that we didn’t come out of the game with a point.

"If I’m honest I think Italy probably had the better of the chances, but overall, having put in a performance like the team did today, I’m excited to see how we will bounce back and what we will deliver against the Austrians on Friday.

"We’ll learn from it, fine-tune a few bits and pieces and the players will grow, develop and take things on board like they always do.

"We’ll be back ten per cent better for the next game."

Fidler was grateful for the impressive support her side received at New Bucks Head Stadium. It is the first time this tournament hasn't been staged in Switzerland, but hosting a finals in England is a fitting way to wrap up The FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

She added: "A lot of the kids in the crowd were from the players’ schools so I think they were immensely proud and excited to be playing for their country on home soil in front of their peers and their families. I think the crowd was our ‘12th man’ in some sense.

"A few of the younger ones were upset after the game but that’s because it means so much to them. They have worked so hard for it.

"I told them afterwards that the whole tournament will not be decided by this result. It’s about recovering from today’s performance and preparing for the next one."

England's second Group A game is against Austria at Chesterfield's Proact Stadium on Friday evening.