Doyle is spot-on to boost England
ENGLAND U17
GARETH Southgate was an interested onlooker as England’s youngsters showed why they are world champions by coming from behind to beat Italy at Walsall.
Head coach Steve Cooper’s side scored twice in nine second-half minutes to continue their winning start to top Group A of the European Championship.
Tommy Doyle struck the winner from the spot after Arvin Appiah had levelled following Alessio Riccardi’s strike for the Italians against the run of play.
England will qualify for the quarter-finals if they avoid defeat against Switzerland on Thursday at Rotherham.
The wide men roared for the Three Lions, with Arsenal winger Xavier Amaechi looking threatening while Nottingham Forest’s Appiah got the equaliser and substitute Rayhaan Tulloch from West Brom won the penalty for the winner.
Italy took the lead in the 13th minute when Riccardi buried a low shot into the bottom corner from 25 yards.
Matthew Daly, Amaechi and Bobby Duncan missed chances for England, who finally equalised in the 63rd minute when Appiah lashed home.
The winner came when Manchester City’s Doyle, grandson of City legends Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe, sidefooted home a penalty on 69 minutes after Tulloch was tripped by Alberto Barazzetta.
Southgate must have been encouraged by the performances of the wide players and Cooper was delighted with their impact.
“Arvin came inside and scored and Rayhaan won the penalty – that’s what you want from your attacking players,” he said. “Ultimately you want them making a difference.”