Neil Dewsnip was satisfied as England got off the mark at the FIFA Under-17s World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Guinea.
Kaylen Hinds looked to have headed the Young Lions to victory in Coquimbo, but a late strike from Naby Bangoura ensured both teams took a point from their opener in Chile.
“We are very pleased to have our first point and off and running in the competition,” Dewsnip said at the post match press conference.
England 1-1 Guinea
FIFA Under-17s World Cup 2015
Group B
Saturday 17 October
Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso, Coquimbo
“We thought that we could have won the game, but also we are aware that Guinea had some chances themselves and we could have perhaps lost.
“I thought we were playing really well when we took the lead and we were very pleased with that.
"But Guinea were very exciting, very dangerous on the counter and we were always concerned that they might have an opportunity to score if we could not get a second goal.”
Guinean keeper Moussa Camara saved a first-half penalty from Marcus Edwards, but was involved in a controversial incident just minutes into the second half.
Camara was shown a yellow card after tripping Stephy Mavididi on the edge of the box when the Arsenal striker looked to be clear on goal
Dewsnip admitted that was a “big moment” in the encounter, but believes the west Africans will cause Group B’s other sides problems also.
England skipper Tom Davies in action in Coquimbo
“Overall we thought we played quite well. Possibly the referee could have sent the goalkeeper off – that was a big moment in the game," said the head coach.
"He obviously decided not to do so.
“We knew it was a difficult group and Guinea would be a tough opponent and I’m sure they will cause Brazil and South Korea problems too.
“All the teams are good and it is going to be a difficult group to qualify from. But we are not too disappointed with our start and we are looking forward to our next game.”
England’s next match is on Tuesday against Brazil in La Serena.
