Spain coasted into the final of the European Under 19 Championship in France with a commanding performance against an England side who are clearly not in the same league technically.

Nathan Baker limped off midway through the first half with what looked like a pulled hamstring, Nathan Delfouneso may have wished he could have joined him after seeing very little of the ball during the first 45 minutes.

Spain held the majority of possession during the first a half and converted that into two well worked goals. Liverpool’s Pacheco got the opener after some find work on Spain’s left drew England’s back line in before the ball was cut back to the far post for Pacheco to casually side foot past Declan Rudd. Captain Keko got the second, again following some nice build up on Spain’s left, drifting into space in the middle and firing in from 12 yards.

Somehow England managed to get one back when John Bostock, who had replaced Baker, shaped himself well to volley in a loose ball from just outside the box. (see video on the left)

Canales scored Spain’s third goal to cap a clever free kick routine that England stood and admired as much as the crowd and TV audience. (video at bottom of post)

Delfouneso did get a couple of opportunities to show his ability with the ball at his feet during the 2nd period, but England never really threatened Spain’s goal, despite playing with a back three to chase the game.

Even if they’re back in time, I would doubt that either of the youngsters will be included among the squad heading to Portugal tomorrow, so their first, and only, chance of any pre-season action with the first team will be the final warm up against Valencia at Villa Park.

Incidentally, it will be interesting to see what sort of team Valencia play at Villa Park since they’re going to be playing a second friendly the very next day at Eastlands against Man City.

Random Villa Factoid: England Under 19s manager, Noel Blake, made 4 appearances for Aston Villa during his 3 years at the club between ’79 and ’82. Remember?