Report: Finland 2-2 England WU17s

England women's under-17s finished with a flurry to kick off their 2026-27 season, with Macy Bangura and Betty Fisher scoring late goals to earn Kerri Welsh's side a 2-2 draw against Finland. 

The Young Lionesses faced Finland at Project Liv Arena in Pietarsaari on Thursday 10 September in the first of two fixtures against the 2027 UEFA WU17 EURO hosts, as the squad prepares for round one of qualification for next summer’s finals. 

It was the hosts who had the first opening of the game when Riina Huikuri was put through on goal in the early stages, but England ‘keeper Victoria Rudz saved well at the forward’s feet. 

Midway through the first half, England grew into the game and had a number of efforts on goal. 

Good feet from Mia Dixon set up Ayomide Junaid, whose effort on goal was blocked. Izzie Breen then had a long-range effort loop just over the bar, before Stevie Sinclair picked up a loose pass minutes later and saw her effort deflected wide for a corner. 

Just before half-time, England right-back Ella-Rose Boothe played a one-two with Maria Mayers, made good progress down the wing and played the ball into Sinclair, but her shot was well saved at the near post.  

Half-time: Finland 0-0 England

Finland were much improved after the break, and it was the hosts who opened the scoring in the 56th minute.

A misplaced pass from England’s Annie-Joy Boichat found its way to Helmi-Sofia Palmu, who fired into the roof of the net to give Finland the lead. 

Sara Varis had a great chance to double the home side's lead but her opening was smothered by Rudz. However, just moments later the ball fell to Enni Patronen inside the box and she made no mistake, finishing into the bottom left-hand corner. 

The game looked to be heading Finland’s way, but England found a way back into the contest in the 87th minute when Zoe Ciccardini’s deep cross was kept alive by Isabelle Ranger, and Macy Bangura was in the right place at the right time to tap home. 

The Young Lionesses continued to create chances in search of an equaliser and their pressure was rewarded with just a minute remaining on the clock. 

Naile Yemeru turned well in the middle of the park, played the ball out to Ranger and her cross found its way to Betty Fisher, who fired into the bottom corner to make the scores all square. 

Full-time: Finland 2-2 England

Following the 2-2 draw, a penalty shoot-out ensued to determine the winner, with Finland winning 3-2 on spot-kicks. 

The England WU17s will be back in action when they face Finland again on Sunday 13 September (12pm BST) at Lemonsoft Stadion in Vaasa. 

England: 1 Victoria Rudz (Chelsea), 2 Ella-Rose Boothe (Chelsea), 3 Zoe Ciccardini (Chelsea), 4 Izzie Breen (Liverpool), 5 Sophie Leach (Chelsea), 6 Ama Nwankwo (Manchester City), 7 Mia Dixon (Arsenal), 8 Maria Mayers (Chelsea), 9 Ayomide Junaid (Benfica Residential Academy), 10 Stevie Sinclair (Chelsea), 17 Angelina Joy Bramble (Arsenal)

Substitutes: 12 Neeve McDonald (Bristol City) for Boothe 69', 15 Annie-Joy Boichat (Chelsea) for Leach 46', 16 Betty Fisher (Chelsea) for Sinclair 69', 19 Macy Bangura (Manchester City) for Junaid 46', 23 Isabelle Ranger (Brighton & Hove Albion) for Dixon 46', 24 Jahmya Putman (Chelsea) for Bramble 69'

Substitutes not used: 11 Aysia Matabaro (Chelsea), 13 Billie Price (Brighton & Hove Albion), 14 Naile Yemeru (Manchester City), 18 Isabella Eborall (Aston Villa), 20 Chidimma Nwokedi (Chelsea), 21 Amie Bush (Tottenham Hotspur), 22 Hannah Kirk (Leicester City),

Head coach: Kerri Welsh