Seth Ridgeon’s Under-17 European Championship came to a heartbreaking end, as a late consolation goal for Czechia on Monday ended up costing England dearly.
A 4-2 defeat to group winners Italy on Friday meant the Young Lions’ destiny was no longer in their own hands heading into the final group game. They needed Belgium to lose to Italy – which they did, 2-1 – but also have a swing in the goal difference.
Everything looked to be going to plan as England were leading 4-1 heading into the closing stages, but an 89th minute goal for Czechia put their goal difference back to 0, one fewer than Belgium who snuck into the Semi-Finals as a result.
Fulham midfielder Ridgeon was captain again for both these matches, playing the full game against Italy and 61 minutes of the Czechia tie.
