Paul pounces for semi-final spot

By Andrew Haslam at Stade Vallée du Cher

Two more Shane Paul strikes helped England become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship with an impressive 3-1 victory against holders Portugal.

Maximum points
The Aston Villa FC midfield player scored in each half, and a late third from substitute Mark Davies completed an excellent afternoon's work in Tours for John Peacock's side and secured a second successive win. Austria's victory against Ukraine in today's other Group B game leaves Portugal needing to defeat Ukraine on Sunday and hoping Austria lose to England to progress to the semi-finals.

Five changes
Carlos Dinis made five changes from the side that played out a goalless draw against the Austrians on Tuesday and had said that he expected an open match, but the Portugal coach could not have foreseen the frenetic start to the game. Hélder Barbosa had already shot over from the edge of the England penalty area when Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo Janota failed to gather a third-minute corner. Campbell hooked the ball back across goal and Paul had a simple task to head in his second goal in as many games.

Magnificent Moreira
The holders rallied and Barbosa had another effort smothered by Ben Alnwick before parity was restored in the seventh minute. Bruno Gamas's clever flick gave Bruno Moreira a sight of goal on the edge of the penalty area and the striker's aim was unerring, his curling shot giving Alnwick no chance.

Close shave
The game was being played at a frantic pace, and after eleven minutes Gama almost created a second for Bruno Moreira, who met the Portuguese captain's right-wing cross on the volley only to see his astute lob bounce back off the crossbar.

Paul denied
At the other end Paulo Renato Rodrigues had to be alert to muscle Campbell off the ball as the striker burst clear. Kyel Reid then produced a deep left-wing cross that found its way to Paul, but this time the winger's low shot clipped the right-hand post.

Sedate start
In sharp contrast to the start of the match the second half began at a sedate pace, although Rodrigues sent a low shot skidding just past the post and Janota was forced to palm clear following a quick burst down the left from Reid.

Well-worked second
England took the lead again three minutes before the hour with a well-worked goal. Campbell burst powerfully down the left, and cut infield before finding Nathan Doyle. The midfield player slipped the ball to Paul and the winger calmly slotted past Janota for his second of the match.

Campbell chances
Campbell then wasted three excellent opportunities to make the game safe, missing the target on each occasion. Five minutes of added time at the end of the match gave Portugal hope, but instead England substitute Davies unleashed a shot that hit the crossbar after deflecting off Janota's legs.

Davies delight
It mattered little though as seconds later as Davies burst clear again and kept his head to round the goalkeeper and complete a memorable victory.