England U17's lose semi final

As the storm built up along the east coast I headed out of Norfolk and back to Burton Albion's Pirelli stadium the venue just three days earlier to England Women's U17 strong 6-1 over Portugal to see them take on Spain in the UEFA U17's Championship semi-final. Having racked up a 4-0 win over Germany in their final group game both teams would have been high of confidence going into the game.
  It was Spain who started the stronger spreading the ball about the pitch quickly and driving at England's centre backs Captain Leah Williamson was called into action several times the clear the lines Spain struck the cross bar from a corner and England couldn't get an attack going space was available on the flanks and left back Jemma Purfield did her best to support Atlanta Primus. It was Spain though that took the lead a cross from the right and Andrea Sanchez was on hand to make it 1-0 and capitalise on Spain's early dominance. 4 minutes later the England post was rattled again.
  England got more pocession as the half wore on creating chances as Spain sat back a little Williamson with the best as she tried to control an Primus free kick floated into the box. At the break it was 1-0 to Spain.
   England needed a strong start to the 2nd half however it was Spain who had the ball on the roof of the net. England with a driving run then shot straight at the keeper Spain broke quickly and as the ball was cleared out of England's box it came to Maria del Pilar Garrote who rifled her shot towards goal Kirstie Levell dived but only in dispair as the ball went past her and Spain took control going 2-0 ahead.
   England needed a goal badly and Ellie Wilkinson was brought on, Leah Williamson was pushed into midfield with Rebacca Lloyd moving into the back line which caused a little communication problem as Spain drove into the box and almost scored Levell gathering at the players feet. England couldn't get an attack going Williamson was magnicient as she tried to make thing's happen and with England pushing on Spain could take advantage of the space left behind on 79 mins Sanchez scored her 2nd of the game and it was all over Spain the deserved winners were through to Sunday's final and having already beaten Germany who won the early semi final 1-0 over Italy they will I think be strong favourites.
   As for England it is a blow they will be hugely disappointed however they have to pick themselves up still alot to play for on Sunday they go into a 3rd place play off with Italy at Burton again (I'm not looking forwards to that journey mind) as the winner will join the 2 finalists at the next World Cup and having seen England lose narrowly to Italy in the 1st group game there is no doubt they can achieve this and will be there cheering them on...