England comeback shocks Spain

Italy edged out
The 2-2 result secured second place in Group B for the English, who finished the section with five points from three games, two less than group winners Spain but, crucially, one more than third-placed Italy, who beat Israel 4-0 in Santa Marta de Penaguião today but were still eliminated.

Stirring comeback
At half-time, with England trailing 2-0 and the Italians winning 2-0, John Peacock's side looked on the verge of elimination, but a stirring second-half comeback ensured they booked a Wednesday semi-final date against host nation Portugal in Viseu.

Fluent style
Spain, who had won their opening two games against Italy and Israel at a canter, began today's game in fluent style, taking the lead after just nine minutes when Sisinio dashed down the right and fed Cases. The Spaniard lobbed England goalkeeper David Martin, his effort then hitting the crossbar and rebounding to forward Xisco who tucked the ball into the net to register his second goal of the tournament.

England go close
Four minutes later England came close to equalising when Dean Bowditch crossed for James Morrison whose shot looked to be heading into the goal but was caught at full stretch by Spanish goalkeeper Adán.

Jurado goal
In the 27th minute though Spain extended their lead and looked to have ended England's last-four hopes when Cases picked out Jurado, who kept possession despite the close attention of several opposing defenders before driving the ball past Martin.

England gamble
At half-time England gambled, throwing on midfield player Grant Leadbitter and forward Aaron Lennon for defender Tom Huddlestone and midfielder James Morrison, and also moving to a 4-2-4 formation. The tactical endeavours reaped their rewards seven minutes later when an almighty goalmouth scramble ended with Steven Taylor directng the ball into the Spanish net.

Comeback complete
In the 51st minute the English comeback was complete when James Milner headed a deep cross from the right past Adán to bring his side level and notch his second goal of the tournament. Spain, by now somewhat shell-shocked, were forced on to the back foot and nearly fell behind two minutes later when a poor back pass almost let in Bowditch only for Adán to scramble the ball clear.

Great entertainment
As it was the hugely entertaining game ended 2-2, with Spain having enjoyed the better of the first half while England were superior in the second. The two sides could meet again in the final on 17 May – although their respective semi-final opponents Austria and Portugal will doubtless have something to say about that.