Slick England glide past Switzerland

Toni Duggan struck twice and set up another as England reached the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship final for the second time in three years with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Switzerland.

Christiansen effort
After England had shaded a fractious opening period, Duggan threw the spotlight firmly in their direction when she calmly slotted in the opener on 28 minutes. She teed up a second for Everton LFC club-mate Isobel Christiansen before the interval and despite the efforts of Ramona Bachmann, Switzerland's first foray into the last four was consigned to failure. Duggan rounded off their disappointing afternoon after the restart, but for England – chasing their first title – it is on to Saturday's final.

German warning
The match had started at a frenetic pace, neither team affording any space. Having seen what this Switzerland XI – Jehona Mehmeti having shaken off a knock – did to Germany last week it was an understandable ploy by England, but it is hard to keep Bachmann quiet for too long, the striker flashing an effort the excellent Rebecca Spencer was forced to turn around the near post. The goalkeeper was similarly commanding as she caught the resulting corner, her long throw sparking a blistering counterattack that ended with Christiansen firing at Pascale Küffer.

Nobbs threat
It was a sign of things to come. Only the offside flag denied Duggan after Küffer had misjudged Chelsea Weston's high, looping shot, but the Everton youngster would not be denied when an exquisite, disguised pass from Jordan Nobbs sent her clear soon after. Nobbs was growing in stature. It took an acrobatic Küffer save to keep out her lob, and then she did find the net only to be called back for offside. Another England goal was only a matter of time, and it came on the cusp of half-time when a right-wing corner evaded everyone and found Duggan at the far post. The No9 set herself and dinked in a pinpoint cross Christiansen could not fail to head in.

Clean sheets
England had not conceded in their previous seven games and two goals appeared a big ask for Switzerland. Only the ever-dangerous Bachmann really seemed up for the task. The No19 was an assiduous thorn for the England defenders throughout, though even when she evaded them Spencer provided a formidable final barrier. The closest Bachmann would come was nine minutes after the restart when she cut in from the right and shot between the keeper's legs and on to the post. And a minute later it was all over, as Weston's long ball found Duggan who fired in and but for another offside call against substitute Jessica Holbrook it could have ended 4-0. England, you feel, will settle for three.