England and Portugal hold firm

Two of the major forces in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, England and Portugal, comfortably progressed from qualifying round Group 11 in Tallinn without conceding a goal between them.

Delfouneso hat-trick
Last season's beaten finalists England have a whole new lineup under John Peacock after their best U17 campaign, but much is also expected of this squad and they began with a 6-0 defeat of Malta. Ryan Donaldson put England ahead on 18 minutes and Nathan Delfouneso swiftly added two more goals before completing his hat-trick in the 56th minute. Donaldson made it five before Matthew James struck in injury time. Portugal, winners in 2003/04, overcame hosts Estonia 2-0 with goals from Rafael and Nelson Oliveira.

Double six
Two days later, the leading pair both won 6-0 to seal their Elite round berths. Portugal matched England's score against Malta, with Alex Zahavi scoring a hat-trick, José Francisco claiming two and William Carvalho also on target. England's six-goal haul came against Estonia, with James, Delfouneso and Matthew Briggs scoring before the break and Dean Parrett, substitute Jack Wilshere and Jack Rodwell adding to the tally.

England top
First place went to England as they drew 0-0 with Portugal on the final day, with Estonia in third after a goalless game against Malta. Peacock told theFA.com: "One of the aims was to not concede a goal and we did that. I changed the team around [against Portugal] so I could have a look at everyone and that included the defence."