England CP secured a best-ever Euro placing and a World Cup spot
England's Cerebral Palsy squad completed their IFCPF European Championship campaign with a dominant 2-0 victory over Germany on Sunday.
In what was the first time the two nations have met in CP competition, it also meant England secured a best-ever Euro finish of fifth place.
England had to work hard to find a breakthrough though, with Germany’s resolute defending keeping the scores level until half time.
The Germans’ game plan of preventing the Three Lions from playing the free-flowing football which has been a theme in his tournament, continued after the break.
But with the half-time words of head coach Andy Smith still ringing in their ears, England started the second half fast and Harry Baker finished a move from close range to score his seventh goal of the campaign and tie for the Golden Boot competition.
Germany were leading a charmed life, with England hitting the woodwork three times and when Jordan Twiss delivered a delightful cross into the box, Dale Smith’s thundering header sealed the game.
The result equals England's best-ever finish in a European Championship and with a more favourable draw - Russia and Ukraine were in the group and both made the final where Russia won 3-2 - England would have certainly played for a medal.
Following this performance, England also qualify for the next World Cup in Spain.
