Goldstein: ‘We’ll learn from Wales heartbreak’

FUTSAL RUSSELL Goldstein insists his experience at the Four Nations tournament was an excellent learning curve ahead of England’s European qualifiers in Bulgaria next month.

Goldstein, 22, was in sparkling form during the three-day competition at the House of Sport venue in Wales.

He played a starring role in the opening 9-0 triumph over Scotland, scoring once and claiming an assist. Goldstein then set up two more and registered another in the 16-1 win over Northern Ireland which he later described as his “best performance”.

But the competition ultimately ended in disappointment for Gold- stein as England suffered their first defeat in the sport at the hands of a ruthless Wales team, going down 6-2 in the final.

Goldstein said: “It was heartbreaking to lose the final but it was a good wakeup call ahead of the Euro qualifiers.”

“I thought we were the better team against Wales, but they were more clinical and that’s what wins you games.”

Goldstein, who plays football for Redbridge Jewish Care in the MGBSFL, expressed delight with his level of performance in the competition.

He said: “The matches were a little more physical than what we’re used to at international level, but that was to be expected when competing against rival teams from the UK.”