Group B of the UEFA Women's U19 Championship is on a knife-edge after Princess Ademiluyi’s England U19s relinquished a half-time lead to fall to a 4-1 defeat against Portugal on Wednesday evening.
The loss in Tarnobrzeg, Poland, and the Netherlands’ 1-0 success over reigning champions Spain means all four sides head into the final round of fixtures tied on three points.
West Ham United women’s team forward Ademiluyi, off the back of opening England’s account against the Netherlands on Sunday, was once again handed a start by boss Lauren Smith and played 71 minutes of the contest.
At the conclusion of a cagey, tense first half, England found the breakthrough at Stadion OSiR Wisła. Lexi Potter’s low ball into the penalty area - that went through the legs of Ademiluyi - was turned into her own net by right-back Iara Lobo - the second own-goal of the tournament that England have benefitted from.
But after our No35 was withdrawn from the clash, Portugal stunned the Young Lionesses with three goals in the space of six second-half minutes.
First Carolina Santiago bundled home a teasing right-wing cross before substitute Anna Marques headed her side in front less than two minutes later. As England pushed to salvage an equaliser, Portugal were handed the chance to wrap up the game from 12 yards when Potter was adjudged to have fouled Diana Costa in the box, and Marta Gago made no mistake in sending goalkeeper Katie Cox the wrong way from the spot.
If the game was not already beyond England, it was put to bed in the 89th minute when Santiago notched her second of the game with a slotted finish.
Now sitting at the foot of Group B on goal difference, the Young Lionesses must pick themselves up to face Spain - who have won the last three UEFA Women's U19 Championships - in Stalowa Wola on Saturday (kick-off 4pm BST).
