November 19, 2001

Denmark into Under-19 UEFA finals, but England hopes that it has kept its best for last

In the U-19 mini-tournament, held in Denmark, the home team booked their place in the UEFA Finals tournament by winning 3-0 against Iceland today in Copenhagen. Denmark reached the UEFA Finals last time, which was for 4 teams, and they won the 3v4 play-off against Spain. This season, there will be 8 teams, 4 group winners plus 3 best Runners-Up and Sweden (hosts).

With England a point behind Czech Republic, after the two matches, only a good win would get them into the top 2 of the group, but now have an agonising wait, to find out who finishes 2nd in the other groups. More important, are their results and probably goal difference. England beat Czech Republic 3-0 today, in the the first ever meeting between the two countries, to finish on 6 points and plus 3 goals.

If England have luck on their side, the last match in the Italian group, being played November 20, 2001, will end with the second team on 6 points and a plus 2 goal difference, which will be enough for England secure a place in the finals.

With France on 6 points, and a plus 6 goal difference, and Switzerland on 6 points, and a plus 5 goal difference, a narrow win or draw when the two meet on Tuesday, will mean a wait of almost 3 months for the England squad.