England fell just one goal short of making it through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s U17 Championship.
The Young Lionesses defeated Netherlands 2-0 in Kavarna, Bulgaria, but Germany’s 3-1 win over Austria meant Gemma Grainger’s side missed out on a place in the last four on goal difference.
England opened their finals campaign with a 4-0 defeat by Germany only to bounce back and edge Austria three days later.
Katie Robinson broke the deadlock against Netherlands a minute into the second half and Keri Matthews sealed the victory on 52.
Unfortunately for England it wasn’t enough, as the Netherlands finished second behind Group B winners Germany in a three-way head-to-head tie break among the teams on six points.
The Under-19s will begin their Euro finals campaign in July. Rehanne Skinner’s charges have been drawn in Group B alongside Belgium, Germany and holders Spain.
England (4-3-3): 1 Emily Orman (Brighton & Hove Albion); 2 Ella Morris (Southampton), 15 Maya Le Tissier (Brighton & Hove Albion), 5 Gracie Pearse (Arsenal), 3 Lucy Johnson (Leicester City); 8 Melisa Filis (Arsenal), 10 Ruby Grant (Arsenal), 4 Charlotte Fleming (Chelsea); 11 Katie Robinson (Bristol City), 19 Emma Harries (Reading), 7 Keri Matthews (York City).
Substitutes: 12 Sophie Quirk (Reading) for Johnson 27, 17 Rebecca May (Manchester United) for Pearse 46, 20 Francesca Stables (Manchester United) for Harries 46.
Substitutes not used: 13 Emma Bradley (Manchester City), 6 Eleanor Hack (Brighton & Hove Albion), 9 Eleanor Dale (Middlesbrough), 14 Ellen Jones (Bristol City), 16 Alisha Ware (Southampton), 18 Paige Peake (FA Women's East Region Academy – in partnership with Ipswich Town).
Goals: Robinson 46, Matthews 52
Bookings: Grant
Head coach: Gemma Grainger
