Arvin Appiah’s late goal was not enough as England U17s were narrowly beaten by Italy in their final match at the St. George’s Park Tournament at Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough Stadium.
Having both seen off Turkey and Scotland in behind-closed-doors meetings at The FA’s national football centre over the last five days, the two teams went into the decider high in confidence.
The Young Lions carved the first opening as Thomas Doyle’s whipped free-kick was met by Bobby Duncan, whose header was well saved.
Carmine Nunziata’s side settled well and took the lead early on, Edoardo Vergani on target from close range.
Inter Milan’s Vergani came close to doubling his and Italy’s advantage soon after when his dipping free-kick creeped narrowly wide of the target.
Dylan Crowe and Bukayo Saka looked to kick-start attacks for England and force their opponents onto the back foot.
Goalkeeper Harry Seaden more than played his part, thwarting Riccardo Tonin with his legs before palming away Mattia Sandri’s attempt as the visitors continued to attack.
Midway through the first period, Manu Emmanuel Gyabuaa let fly with a rasping drive from distance, which was narrowly off target.
After weathering the storm, England grew into the contest, Doyle’s set-piece delivery a dangerous and promising outlet.
A neat move saw Neil Dewsnip’s side pile forward with four men in the penalty box although Duncan’s effort was well saved by Alessandro Russo.
The Young Lions started the second half on the front foot and could, and arguably should, have levelled proceedings – blocks from a host of blue shirts denying the unfortunate Jack Nolan and Rayhaan Tulloch in a scramble in the box.
However, they were caught on the counter when Riccardo Tonin raced through and produced a low finish past Seaden.
To their credit, England did not let their heads drop and West Bromwich Albion youngster Tulloch stung the gloves of Russo with just over 20 minutes remaining.
The contest opened up and both sides could have added to the scoreline.
And Appiah did just that, reducing the arrears on 71 minutes – finishing emphatically from close range following a fine England attack after good work down the right flank.
Rattled, the Italians began to commit fouls as England finished the stronger but could not find the necessary breakthrough.
England: 1 Harry Seaden (Southend United), 4 Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), 5 Harry Clarke (Arsenal), 7 Luis Binks (Tottenham Hotspur), 9 Dylan Crowe (Ipswich Town), 11 Clinton Mola (Chelsea), 17 Thomas Doyle (Manchester City), 18 Arvin Appiah (Nottingham Forest), 19 Bobby Duncan (Manchester City), 21 Jack Nolan (Reading), 22 Rayhaan Tulloch (West Bromwich Albion).
Substitutes: 16 Sonny Hilton (Fulham) for Mola, 49, 3 Bali Mumba (Sunderland) for Crowe, 63, 23 Taylor Perry (Wolverhampton Wanderers for Duncan, 64, 20 D’Margio Wright-Phillips (Manchester City) for Nolan, 75.
Substitutes not used: 13 Luca Ashby-Hammond (Fulham), 2 Pascal Kpohomouh (Manchester City), 6 Louie Sibley (Derby County), 10 Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), 12 Danny Cashman (Brighton and Hove Albion), 15 Morgan Whittaker (Derby County).
Goal: Appiah 71.
