England secured their place at the European Women's Under-17 Championship Finals with a hard-fought goalless draw against Italy at St. George’s Park.
A 2-0 defeat of Poland and a sensational 2-1 win over Germany meant the Lionesses needed to avoid defeat against Italy to ensure top spot in Group 3.
England’s brightest work at the top of the pitch came in the opening quarter of the match, with captain Lauren Hemp and Gabriella Ravenscroft both going close.
After the break Italy twice rattled the frame of Hannah Hampton’s goal, but John Griffiths’ team held firm to secure the all-important point.
The draw for the Finals will take place on 7 April, with the tournament set to kick-off on 2 May in Czech Republic.
England: 1 Hannah Hampton (Birmingham City), 3 Poppy Pattinson (Sunderland), 4 Aimee Palmer (Bristol City), 5 Shannon Cooke (Arsenal), 6 Esme Morgan (Manchester City), 8 Miri Taylor (Chelsea), 9 Gabby Ravenscroft (Oxford United), 10 Emily Syme (Bristol City), 11 Lauren Hemp (Bristol City, capt), 12 Grace Neville (Millwall Lionesses), 14 Amy Rodgers (Liverpool)
Substitutes: 17 Jessica Ngunga (Arsenal) for Taylor 41, 7 Nicole Douglas (Chelsea) for Ravenscroft 56, 18 Beth O’Donnell (Manchester City) for Syme 66
Substitutes not used: 13 Emily Ramsey (Manchester United), 2 Meg Boydell (Liverpool), 15 Olivia Smith (Chelsea)
Head coach: John Griffiths
