Report: Germany 3-2 England MU17s

England men’s under-17s fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat at the hands of Germany in their final game of the September-October international window.

Barry Lewtas’ side concluded the three-match tournament with their first defeat, despite previous victories against Israel and Venezuela.

The Young Lions capitalised on some early momentum, with goals from Reggie Watson and Mylo Bernard making it 2-1, before Germany found the net twice to ensure victory.

England forced some early pressure, with striker Bernard registering a shot inside 30 seconds, but it was the hosts who took the lead on 18 minutes, with Maroko Soldic finishing low into the right-hand corner of Mikel Jack’s goal.

A fantastic diving right-handed save by Jack in the 28th minute prevented Soldic from extending Germany’s lead, as the Young Lions looked to get a foothold in the game.

Oscar Johnson showed great willingness to chase a through ball into the area just five minutes later, winning a penalty after a miss-timed sliding challenge from Germany captain Ben Nwachukwu.

And England skipper Watson dispatched the penalty to level the scores - slotting the ball into the left-hand corner past Nick Hartung.

The Young Lions increased their pressure as they searched for a goal before half-time, but a smart diving save from Hartung denied Bernard.

The striker’s attacking efforts were rewarded on the hour mark, when he tapped home Olly Houlihan’s left-sided cross to give England the lead, but Germany responded seven minutes later when Linus Güther netted an equaliser.

The hosts then snatched a winner in the 83rd minute, with Niko Ilicevic finishing low into the bottom right-hand corner.