Report: England WU17s 1-0 Croatia

England women’s under-17s secured victory over host nation Croatia in their second game of the UEFA Women’s U17 EURO qualifiers on Monday morning.

Following on from their 2-1 victory over Türkiye on Friday, Kerri Welsh’s team took another big step forward in reaching the 2026 EURO Finals in Northern Ireland this May.

And in what turned out to be a evenly-matched and well-contested game, the Young Lionesses sealed victory thanks to a stunning goal from Alexandra De Beaulac midway through the first half.

Cutting in from the right flank, De Beaulac curled a left-footer from outside the area which whistled past the ‘keeper and into the top corner.

Croatia looked to find a way back after the break with both teams having opportunities, particularly in the dying stages, but England were able to see the game out and seal what could prove to be a crucial victory.

England will play their third and final game of the group on Thursday when they take on Italy (11am GMT), knowing that a draw will be enough to ensure they finish top of the group and qualify for the Finals.

England: 1 Evie Mitchell (Manchester United), 2 Zoe Ciccardini (Cheslea), 4 Romia Gagliano (FC Basel), 5 Lucy Robinson (Manchester United), 7 Mia Dixon (Arsenal) (c), 10 Bryony Brodie (Arsenal), 14 Alexandra De Beaulac (Players Development Academy), 15 Amarachukwu Nwankwo (Manchester City), 16 Niobe Mellor-Antill (Manchester City), 17 Sophia Burton (Manchester City), 19 Chelsea N’Drin (Liverpool)

Substitutes: 11 Cairo Antoine (Arsenal) for Dixon 46, 18 Aysia Matabaro (Chelsea) for De Beaukac 62, 20 Freya Hirons (Manchester City) for N’Drin 62, 12 Maisie Brickell (Chelsea) for Mellor-Antill 62, 3 Katie Scott (Aston Villa) for Ciccardini 89

Substitutes not used: 6 Emilie Gay (Brighton & Hove Albion), 8 Annabelle Tang (Arsenal), 9 Abbie Jones (Sheffield United), 13 Erin Walker (Manchester City),

Head coach: Kerri Welsh

Goals: Alexandra De Beaulac 24