England boosted by Milner winner

England opened their UEFA European Under-17 Championship campaign with a 2-1 win against a spirited Israel side which leaves them well placed in Group B ahead of Friday's game against Italy.

Three chances
John Peacock's side dominated the first half of today's game in Santa Marta Penaguião, creating three excellent chances. However profligate finishing meant they failed to go into the interval with the lead their enterprise deserved. The other major incident of the half occurred in the 30th minute when England winger James Milner of Leeds United AFC, the youngest ever Premiership goalscorer, was booked.

Rafaelov penalty
In the second half, Israel managed to gain more possession than in the first period and took a surprise lead on 47 minutes when midfield player Mesaye Degu dribbled his way down the right flank and saw his curling cross handled by an English defender. The referee pointed to the penalty spot and Lior Rafaelov beat goalkeeper Thomas Heaton, despite the English No1 diving in the right direction.

Prompt reaction
England reacted promptly, scoring a deserved equaliser within four minutes of the restart thanks to enterprising play from two of their youngsters. Dean Bowditch and Philip Ifil exchanged swift passes down the right and Ifil then crossed perfectly for his team-mate to volley into the net.

Milner makes no mistake
In the 54th minute England found a winner when James Morrison fed Milner who made no mistake with an angled shot that beat Guy Haimov in the Israel goal. Israeli goalscorer Rafaelov was booked in the 77th minute as his side tried to force their way back into the game, but England held on with few alarms to register an important win.