England soar through to final four

England cruised through to the semi-finals as early goals from Jade Moore and Jordan Nobbs set them on course for a 4-0 victory that consigned Iceland to the bottom of Group B.

Nobbs double
Aside from the hosts, all the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship finalists began the day with hopes of remaining for a second week very much alive, but 13 minutes in there was little doubt about which of these sides would take a last-four spot. England raced out of the blocks as Moore headed them into an eleventh-minute lead and the 1,700 spectators barely had time to return to their sodden seats when Nobbs doubled the advantage from close range. There was no way back for Iceland, late goals from Isobel Christiansen and another from Nobbs compounding their misery.

Dream start
Victory would have guaranteed either side progress and the sense of theatre was exacerbated with 30C temperatures giving way to a dramatic storm as the game got under way. Under dark skies England made the brightest of starts and soon forged ahead. Left-back Gilly Flaherty's foraging run upfield was halted with a foul just outside the area and from Michelle Hinnigan's free-kick Moore rose highest to head in. Two minutes later Toni Duggan found space on the left again before jinking inside. Her low shot was beaten out by Birna Berg Haraldsdottir, but only as far as Nobbs who tapped in.

No answer
Iceland were shell-shocked, their team – like England's, unchanged for the third successive game – showing little cohesion as Mo Marley's charges went in search of a third. At the other end Fanndís Fridriksdóttir was isolated, and even when she did shake off one England centre-back the other was always on hand to deny her. Coach Ólafur Thór Gudbjörnsson sought to provide more support after half-time and with Mist Edvarsdottir injured, defensive midfielder Arna Sif Asgrimsdottir dropped into the back four as 4-5-1 became 4-3-3.

World Cup spot
Iceland were stronger for it, but never looked like being the first side in seven games to score against England and 13 minutes from time Christiansen turned inside Asgrimsdottir to make it 3-0 after good work from Duggan. Three minutes later Nobbs latched on to a long ball and steered in to cap a 4-0 victory. England are now assured a place in next July's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Germany; their work here is not yet done, however.