England’s second match of the European Championship was, as predicted, a tough encounter against world 8th placed Switzerland.

England started with the same five as in the successful match against France, playing a strong opening 10 minutes that earned 50% of the possession against a strong Swiss team comprised almost totally of players from the professional leagues.

To play at this intensity is tough, and at the 14 minute mark young James Taylor committed a foul that resulted in him receiving his second yellow card of the match.

The England keeper, Ian Morrison, who in the tradition of English goalkeepers, gave a committed performance, made countless quality saves but eventually was beaten by the St Omer pro Stefan Rubi who got through a tight defense twice to score 2 cracking goals from close range slap shots, taking the Swiss to the break 2-0 up.

England came back fighting and 1 minute into the second half Herne Bay United’s Neil Austin scored from the half way line to make the score 1-2, and then two minutes later England earned a penalty that Captain, Andrew Ashurst was unfortunate not to convert with his solid dribble.

The Swiss scored two further goals at the five and nineteen minute marks of the second half to put the match out of England’s reach, though the Swiss goalkeeper had to work hard right to the end to ensure it!

England Coach Carlos Amaral is to be congratulated for another solid performance from his young team and combined with the strong showing against 6th in the world France, who just lost to World Champions Spain 2-1, he and the boys deserve the favorable reports that are coming from the coaches and press here in Florence.

England has a strong young team that positively and professionally takes the game to their opponents. Well done!

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Reporter: Kos Galtos