Young Lions face Russian test in quarter finals

England U17s play Russia on Saturday having topped Group D
The England U17s have progressed to the quarter finals of the European Championships in Bulgaria finishing top of Group D. 

The Young Lions, captained by West Ham United’s Reece Oxford, got their campaign off to a great start with a 1-0 win over Italy. 

John Peacock’s side soon followed that up with a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands before a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland sealed their qualification.  

England, the defending champions, will now face a stern test against Russia on Saturday 16 May, kick off 4pm local time in the Bulgarian city of Burgas. 

The Russians finished second in Group C with four points, behind table topping France who recorded a 100% winning start to the tournament. 

The Russians drew 2-2 with their Greek counterparts before slipping to a 1-0 defeat by France. They entered their third group game knowing only a win would be good enough to keep their hopes alive, and they did just that – overcoming Scotland 2-0. 

The winners of Saturday’s game will face either Croatia or Belgium on the 19th with the final held in Burgas on Friday 22 May.  

Quarter final draw: 

Friday 15
Croatia v Belgium (4pm, Burgas)
Germany v Spain (7pm, Stara Zagora)

Saturday 16
England v Russia (4pm Burgas)
France v Italy (7pm, Stara Zagora)