England have brought home bronze medals from the Partially Sighted European Futsal Championships after beating hosts Turkey 1-0 in front of a hostile home crowd.
On the front foot from kick-off, England took the lead after 15 seconds with Paul McHugh finishing off a slick move at the far post.
England controlled the game through some very well-organised defending and looked extremely dangerous on the counter attack with Adam Lione, Steve Daley and Harry Gibbons all going close.
Turkey were restricted to only a couple of half chances and when called upon goalkeepers Dylan Malpas and Dan James (both having taken part in the game) easily coped with any threat.
Josh Pugh was again outstanding in providing England with a solid base from which to operate and was immense in his defensive duties.
Having beaten finalists France and drawn with winners Ukraine the England squad can look forward to next year’s World Cup with great excitement.
Head coach Ian Bateman said: “The players have shown real mental toughness and resilience to play five games in six days.
“They have gone toe-to-toe with the best in Europe and apart from a two-minute spell against Turkey (in the group game) where they conceded two goals they were a match for any team.”
England squad: Dylan Malpas, Dan James, Andy Cahill, Josh Pugh, Harry Gibbons , Jeremy Vernaeve, Adam Lione, Steve Daley, Paul McHugh, John McDougall
