England survive Scotland threat

England have qualified for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship for the second season in succession as goals from Nile Ranger and Victor Moses earned victory against Scotland on the final day of action in Group 6.

Tense contest
The teams came into their contest at Bramall Lane locked together on six points at the head of their Elite round section, although Brian Eastick's side held the upper hand thanks to their superior goal difference. Both had chances to break the deadlock in Sheffield but the first goal did not arrive until the 66th minute, Nathan Delfouneso setting up Ranger to slide in his fourth goal of the section at the near post before Moses smashed in a loose ball to make it 2-0 in the 73rd minute. Alex MacDonald pulled a goal back from the penalty spot with eight minutes remaining following Gavin Hoyte's foul on Scotland substitute Leigh Griffiths, but England held on to book their place in this summer's finals in Ukraine.

'Good camaraderie'
"We're delighted to be through, we got three wins with a young team and to get those three wins in six days is a great credit to them," Eastick told the Football Association's website. "There wasn't a great deal between us, but we were the better team in the second half. We've been at the hotel for ten days and there's been really good camaraderie between us. This is about giving players the opportunity to go and play in European finals; the more finals we can reach, the more experience they can get in coping with situations. That is what international football is all about, so to get there is a terrific experience for the players."