Phillips' goal delights England boss Blake

Wycombe Wanderers' Matt Phillips yesterday scored a stoppage time equaliser against host nation France in the European U19 Championships to confirm England's place in the semi-finals where they face the Spanish on Tuesday afternoon.

Phillips rose to meet a cross at the back post and after seeing his header parried by the French keeper, kept his balance and his composure to lash the rebound into the back of the net to the delight of England U19 manager Noel Blake.

"We kept going, and I thought that was as well as we've played so far in the competition," said Blake speaking to The FA.com.

"I felt we deserved the result on reflection and obviously it was good enough to take us through to the semi-final."

"The lads never gave up, played some good football and we created some good chances throughout. Their goalkeeper has made some saves too, but we kept at them and got what we deserved in the end."

Phillips' goal not only ensured England's progress in this competition, it also sealed their place in next year's FIFA U20 World Cup in Columbia.

"When we came here, our first objective was to qualify for the U20 World Cup, which we've done," said Blake "Then it was to go as far as we can in this competition. - The next objective is to reach the Final."

The future seems bright for Wycombe's young star, and everyone connected with the club will be hoping he continues to impress for England, while keeping something in reserve for the Morecambe game on August 7th!

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