Portugal
0-0
England
The Algarve Tournament
Tuesday 5 February 2008
Dr Fransisco Viera, Silves
England won the Algarve Tournament after they clocked up their sixth straight clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Portugal.
After beating Denmark and France, the Three Lions held the hosts to a stalemate to ensure they left Portugal clutching some silverware.
“I’m delighted to have won the group and remained undefeated,” said Head Coach John Peacock.
“I am even more delighted that we’ve played six games and have six clean sheets. Now we look forward to a difficult Elite Round Qualifying tournament in Israel next month.”
Peacock took satisfaction from another shutout - that’s six on the trot since the First Round of qualifiers for the European Championships in October.
Such defensive strength will need to be evident when the Young Lions travel to Tel Aviv for the final bout of qualifiers for the European Championship Finals.
But before then, Peacock will sift through the embers of this week’s trip to Portugal where a number of new players were given the chance to show their worth.
However, it was a familiar name who caught the eye on Tuesday. Andros Townsend is an established member of the squad since representing the U16s last year and he had two chances to score against Portugal, one saved and one blocked. He also created a number of chances for his team-mates.
Sunderland’s Ryan Noble was unfortunate not to net after squandering three openings while Matty James and Jack Rodwell also went close. At the other end Januario and Cedric Soares shot just wide but nil-all was a fair result.
England: Severn, Smith, Rodwell (Parrett 40), Briggs, O’Neill, Bostock (Watt 40), James, Mellis (Donaldson 68), Mutch, Townsend, Noble (Nouble 40).
Source: Proud Peacock
