Nuri strike sinks England

A rasping drive from Nuri Sahin nine minutes from time earned Turkey a dramatic 3-2 victory against England at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Pontedera.

Powerful effort
The Turkish midfield player picked up possession on the edge of the England penalty area and struck a powerful left-foot strike which took a slight deflection off Leigh Mills to leave England goalkeeper David Button with no chance.

Clinical finish
The first 40 minutes were an open affair, with chances at either end, but it was Turkey who struck first in the 21st minute. Deniz Yilmaz's lofted pass found Tevfik Köse running forward, and the striker's brilliant first touch set him up for a clear run at goal, before he slid a low shot across Button and into the far corner of the net.

Well-worked second
Eleven minutes later, the same two players helped Turkey double their lead. Deniz combined with Özgürcan Özcan to work another sight of goal for Tevfik, who prodded another low shot beyond Button. However, England hauled themselves back into contention barely a minute into the second half, Joe Garner pouncing after Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Babacan had spilled a cross to halve the deficit.

Garner goals
Turkey almost restored their two-goal cushion in the 50th minute, Özgürcan curling a free-kick over the wall and past Button only to see the ball strike the crossbar and rebound to safety. When the next goal came, however, it was at the other end, substitute James Vaughan flicking on a long high ball for Turkish defender Serdar Kesçi and Garner to contest, and it was the English striker who applied the decisive touch with a looping header beyond Volkan. It was not enough for a point, however, thanks to Sahin's late effort.

Locked together
As Belarus defeated Italy 1-0 today, all four teams have three points going into Sunday's deciders which see Second-placed Turkey tackling the Belarussians and England, top on goal difference, taking on Italy.