Toulon agony as young Scots lose semi clash

Scotland U21s’ hopes of Toulon glory were dashed by the Auld Enemy last night as England remained on course for a third straight tournament success after coming from behind to beat Scot Gemmill’s side 3-1 in the semi-final in Aubagne.

The defeat meant agony for St Johnstone defender Jason Kerr, Dundee striker Craig Wighton and Kirkcaldy’s Oliver Burke of West Brom.

The Scots believed they had one foot in the final when Michael Johnston gave Gemmill’s side the lead with a brilliant solo effort on the half-hour mark.

But two goals after the break turned the contest England’s way.

Callum Connolly brought the young Three Lions level on the 45th minute before a stunning strike by Eddie Nketiah’s completed the turnaround five minutes later.

Victory was confirmed when the Arsenal striker netted his second of the game in the 69th minute.

England will now face Mexico, who beat Turkey 3-1 in the other semi-final earlier in the day, in Saturday’s final.

Scotland will be hoping to wrap up third place when they play Turkey, also on Saturday, in the third-place play-off which kicks-off at 4pm.

Scotland created the game’s first real opening when Burke outmuscled Jake Clarke-salter to go through on goal. He hammered the ball past Freddie Woodman but it came crashing back off the near post.

Seven minutes later England hit the woodwork when Nketiah’s cross deflected off Kerr and onto the post, but again the ball bounced away to safety.

In what was a tight affair, it took a moment of genius from Johnston to break the deadlock on the half-hour mark.

Picking the ball up just inside the England half, the Celtic star produced a brilliant piece of skill to skip past the challenges of Connolly and Kieran Dowell before bursting past Jonjoe Kenny and firing into the far corner.

England were looking for inspiration and Nketiah came to the party when he set up Everton’s Connolly for the easiest of tap-ins five minutes after the restart.

The 19-year-old then put the Three Lions ahead with a fine individual goal.

After embarking on a mazy run, he fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

His second goal put the game to bed 11 minutes from time – another impressive finish from just inside the area.

Scotland: Mccrorie, Porteous, Kerr, Taylor, Ralston, Wilson (Burt), Gilmour, Johnston, Burke (Middleton), Hornby, Campbell (Watt). Subs, not used: Wighton, Wright, Harvie, Doohan, Hamilton, St Clair.

Scotland women aim to keep their World Cup qualification bid on track with a victory over Belarus at the Falkirk Stadium this evening. Shelley Kerr’s side, sit second in Group 2 with three wins from their opening four matches.

Michael Johnston gave the young Scots the lead in Toulon.