England Women’s U-17s win group decider against France | OneFootball

Photo: Heather Fisher

England scored late on to defeat France 1-0 and finish top of their UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship group in Sweden.

Reigning champions France had the better of the goalless first half and came very close to scoring, as well as having a goal ruled out.

England goalkeeper Hope McSheffrey scrambled to stop the ball crossing the line in the early stages, gathering it at the second attempt.

Jane Oboavwoduo made a powerful run for England but it was abruptly ended on the edge of the box by a shoulder charge.

France did have the ball in the net close to half-time but a foul was given for the challenge by Anais Ebayilin on McSheffrey, with both then needing treatment.

McSheffrey was at the rescue again early in the second half, turning away a fierce strike from Justine Rouquet for a corner.

Laila Harbert tried her luck from outside the box but saw her effort deflected over the crossbar.

Isabella Fisher shot just wide from an offside position and later got through on goal only for her shot to be blocked by the legs of keeper Ambre Bouchard.

The deadlock was broken inside the last ten minutes, as a cross by Nelly Las was only parried by Bouchard into the path of Brown, who tapped home as England made it three wins from three.

Natalie Henderson’s side now await news on who their semi-final opponents will be on Wednesday, one of Spain, Poland or Portugal.

Both semi-finals will be live on BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website and UEFA.tv.

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