England have reached the Partially-Sighted World Cup Final for the first time after a thrilling 4-3 semi-final win over Russia.
Goals from Adam Lione, Harry Gibbons Steve Daley and Jez Vernaeve were enough to help the Three Lions come back from a two-goal deficit and storm into Saturday’s final against Ukraine in Cagliari, Sardinia.
"What a great performance from the boys, who showed real character and resilience to beat Russia for the first time,” said head coach Ian Bateman after the victory, having previously seen his side reach the semi-final following a roller-coaster of a result against France in their previous match.
With the French needed a victory and England requiring a draw to progress into the knock-out stages, a Paul McHugh goal set Bateman’s side on their way.
But as the game wore on, France’s pressure grew and they found two quickfire goals to take the lead.
However, England’s inner resilience from their previous European successes shone through and a Daley free-kick levelled things up at 2-2 before a world-class save from Dylan Malpas in the dying stages secured the draw to take England into the semi-final.
