Group B in the balance

For England and Italy Sunday is the day of reckoning as the two countries compete for the one remaining UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-final qualification berth from Group B.

England need win or draw
The two sides drew 0-0 on Saturday, leaving both with a chance of progressing along with Spain, who secured their place in the last four with a 3-0 win against Israel. The English, who currently have four points, will face the Spanish in Vila Real knowing that a draw will be enough to progress, while a win will see them overtake their opponents and top the group.

No easy task
However gaining a positive result against Spain, arguably the tournament's outstanding side thus far, is no easy task. And if England lose they know that an Italian win against Israel in Santa Marta de Penaguião could end up eliminating them on goal difference.

Confident Spanish
After two wins out of two, scoring five goals in the process and conceding none, the Spanish are certainly in confident mood. "We put a lot of pressure on Israel," said forward David after his side's 3-0 win on Saturday in Chaves. "If we play like this against England we will beat them."

Key battle
The key battle in Vila Real could be between England's accomplished defence - which as Peacock pointed out has conceded just one goal in the tournament so far including qualifiers - and Spain's silky smooth attack.

Experience important
England coach John Peacock has been emphasising the importance of his players gaining experience, rather than putting too much pressure on them to win games. "It's important that the boys get international experience," he said. "The only way they can get that is by playing the games. We feel we've got a strong squad. Seventeen of the 18 [players in the squad] have played after our first two games. This is the most important thing. The games come thick and fast and we have to rotate the players accordingly."

'Football is joy'
As his side prepare to face Israel, Italy coach Antonio Rocca has also stressed the importance of the tournament as a learning aid for his players. "I work mostly on their mentality," he said. "On the pitch they must be independent. They have to take their own decisions and develop their personalities. In the beginning the most important thing is that they take everything as a game. Football is joy, entertainment."

Scoring boots
Rocca's side will be favourites to beat the Israelis, but they must find their scoring boots, having failed to hit the net so far in the tournament, despite some enterprising attacking play. Meanwhile Israel have acquitted themselves admirably so far with coach Avraham Bahar not too disappointed after a 2-1 defeat against England and that 3-0 loss against Spain.

'Difficult draw'
"It was a very difficult draw for Israel," he said. "I think it's very good experience for our players. It's the first time we've played [the tournament] with eight teams, the eight best in Europe, and for the future and the development of these players it's very good.

Optimism for the future
"I'm very optimistic about the future of Israeli football," Bahar continued. "As we are playing excellent sides, the stage in itself is the biggest bonus. Let's not forget that this bunch of players are only just beginning their international playing careers."