England Under-19s were forced to come from behind to claim a nail-biting victory over Israel U19s and win the 2022 European Championship.
Israel were by far the better team throughout the first-half as Ian Foster’s Young Lions struggled to get a foot on the ball in the face of their compact, busy midfield.
Niggling fouls continually stopped play as England were let down by their lack of control and technique in tight spaces.
Maccabi Tel-Aviv forward Oscar Gloukh broke the deadlock after 39 minutes with a fine counter-attack that saw him dance through two challenges before firing past Matthew Cox.
In reply, England struggled to create anything until the half-time break with only a haphazard flap at a deep cross from Tomer Tzarfati gifting Dane Scarlett a chance on goal, only for his quick turn-and-shot to be charged down.
After the break, the Young Lions improved to at least match their underdog opponents and Callum Doyle struck the leveller with a calm control and finish after a deep corner was turned back across goal.
Another reasonable opening for Scarlett went begging before Israel upped their game, the ever-dangerous Tai Abed forcing a flying block to deny his attempt with 15 minutes left.
Carney Chukwuemeka smacked the post from 18 yards out as the game burst into an end-to-end dust-up late on, substitute Aaron Ramsey failing to convert after a fine breakaway run by Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah.
The rough-and-tumble finish failed to provide a winner and extra-time beckoned. Chukwuemeka and Ramsey continued to be the bright sparks for England although Israel very nearly led again through Nehorai Ifrah, whose cross-shot from a narrow angle rolled away from goal before desperate defending cleared the threat.
It was little surprise that Chukwuemeka popped up to net the winner, after a delightful ball from captain Harvey Vale it was his bundle over the line that put England ahead for the first time in 107 minutes.
Israel were not out for the count just yet as Gloukh flew a sliced volley towards goal that required a Doyle clearance off the line, before substitute Liam Delap’s impeccable run and finish drew a rebound for Ramsey to slam home and seal the title.
