Moses sends England into final

England are through to their first UEFA European Under-17 Championship final after a tense defeat of France.

Moses winner
Victor Moses reached a finals-leading three goals in this tournament when he struck on eleven minutes and England could have been further ahead at the break. However, a serious-looking injury to midfielder Henri Lansbury early in the second half affected England's impetus and France struck the crossbar and came close on several further occasions before England booked a Sunday decider against Spain in Tournai.

Early goal
It was a quiet opening spell, but with the first real attack at either end England scored. Daniel Rose sent a perfect cross from the left on to the head of Rhys Murphy and the striker nodded on target. Joris Delle, back in the France goal after missing the nervy 2-2 draw with Ukraine, pulled off a point-blank save but Victor Moses was on hand to slam a shot into the unguarded net and for the third time in two games here set off on his backflip-heavy celebration.

Murphy denied
Murphy threatened to make it two when he strode away on a swift counterattack but his shot was turned wide by Delle. The Arsenal FC striker also ran on to an incisive Michael Woods ball but curled his effort over. At the other end France had no shortage of possession but lone striker Damien Le Tallec was often isolated. Moses meanwhile was buzzing and after another forward thrust he fed Henri Lansbury, who struck just wide of goal. Thibault Bourgeois did threaten with an overhead kick but England No1 Jason Steele was not troubled.

Lansbury injury
After John Peacock's side lost Lansbury early in the second half - he was taken away on a stretcher after lengthy treatment on the pitch - Tom Taiwo came on, but England's momentum stalled. France came close when Bourgeois's left-wing cross found Le Tallec, but the forward could not beat Steele. A third England change was then enforced as Joseph Mattock limped off and Gavin Hoyte was pressed into action at left-back.

France threaten
Bourgeois was causing all sorts of problems down England's right and, after his cross France won a corner on the opposite flank. his inswinging corner was headed on to the bar by Nicolos Seguin. Le Tallec then fed Martial Riff but his shot was tipped away by Steele. France then sent on Vincent Acapandie for Riff, and continued to press. Eight minutes were added on. mostly for the Lansbury injury. and Abdel El Kaoutari, Seguin and Bourgeois all came mighty close, but England held on.