Wüthrich strike spares Switzerland

Sébastien Wüthrich struck deep into added time to cancel out Joe Mattock's first-half free-kick and earn Switzerland a draw against England in the opening match in UEFA European Under-19 Championship Group A.

Late drama
Mattock – one of three members of the England team who played in these finals a year ago – scored what looked to be the only goal of the game ten minutes before the interval with a perfectly executed free-kick only for Wüthrich to reply in kind in the closing seconds. The Swiss midfielder's powerful effort evaded the dive of Jason Steele to ensure both sides took a point from their first match in Donetsk.

Mattock decisive
England coach Brian Eastick had emphasised the importance of not losing the first game and, taking his words to heart, both sides began cautiously with the first clear chance not arriving until the 34th minute. A series of set-pieces at each end had produced little reward, but when England won a free-kick on the edge of the Swiss penalty area, left-back Mattock stepped up to curl a fine effort just inside Oliver Klaus's left-hand post. Switzerland almost replied within two minutes, Marco Schönbächler mis-hitting a shot that was deflected across the face of goal with the defence scrambling.

Welbeck denied
With the game played at a steady tempo in humid conditions, England reached half-time with their lead intact and set about increasing it as the second period kicked off, good work from Nathan Delfouneso down the left setting up Daniel Welbeck for a shot that was blocked. Wüthrich then missed the target from distance, his second attempt wide in five minutes, as Switzerland sought a response yet they were fortunate not to fall further behind when Henri Lansbury's corner caused confusion in the goalmouth, with no England player able to apply the finishing touch.

Mehmedi threat
Lansbury was involved again moments later, his through pass setting Welbeck clear and the Manchester United FC forward's shot beat Klaus only for François Affolter to produce a brilliant clearance to keep his side in the contest. Substitute Admir Mehmedi flicked a header wide following a corner as Switzerland pressed for an equaliser, and Steele made brave stops from Wüthrich and Mehmedi yet had no answer to Wüthrich's thunderous free-kick two minutes into added time. Switzerland will therefore go into Friday's match against Slovenia in buoyant mood, while England must regroup for their game with tournament hosts Ukraine.