England’s U19’s made a winning start to the European U19 Championships on a Sunday evening in France, as a first half brace from Frank Nouble and a second half strike from Thomas Cruise proved to be enough to defeat a spirited Austria.
England, who led 2–0 and then 3–1 could have won by a more comfortable margin, but against a determined Austria side were left to thank Norwich City starlet Declan Rudd for a fine late stop from David Alaba who had already hit the Austrians first goal.
England can now head in to Wednesday’s fixture against the Netherlands knowing that a win should be enough to take them in to the semi-final.
