There were seven changes to England's U20 team in the Toulon tournament after losing to Morocco in their previous fixture. Qualification for the next stage, for a third place play-off , was going to be difficult as they needed to beat China by two goals to stand a chance. Still China were yet to score in the tournament.
The BT Sports commentator explained that Bailey was subbed at half time in his last game against Morocco when Odubajo replaced him and it was perhaps a surprise that Aidy Boothroyd selected Baily to start this game. The first few minutes of the game saw John Swift making most of the play for England. Keeping possession was not proving easy though with balls being over hit and England were slow to a settle in finding any rhythm or accuracy to their passing. China did manage an early strike on target, but China were having to resort to fouls to keep England from their goal.
As the first half progressed Chuba Akpom (Arsenal) was more prominent in getting forward, but there was also the feeling that China could get a goal. Baily got forward with a few free kicks that China gave away but could not get on the end of anything. China were shooting from distance when they got an opportunity but it was always a bit speculative. Still a great cross in from the right though gave China's No 11(Wu Xinghan) a great chance to score from six yards but he headed wide. Luckily Rolando Aarlons (Newcastle) managed to slot home for England just before half time to make it 1-0.
The second half needed England to do just as well if not better. Getting the ball wide seemed to be the best tactic as that is how the first goal came. Lewis Baker managed to get the goal that England supporters were hoping for and made it 2-0 on 52 minutes. There was a shock when Gou Yo got a goal back for China and it was only in the 59th minute that England went back ahead through an own goal from Xiabin Zhang. It was then down to Cargill and his teammates to hold out.
Final Score England 3 v 1 China. England had done enough!
This is a fan’s personal view of AFC Bournemouth from the outside looking in. It reports on the daily official activities reported by the club and comments made by individual fans on social media and fanbase websites. Life as an AFCB fan is never dull. As a life-long supporter of the Cherries, it is the friendliness of the staff, fans and my enthusiasm for the club that inspired me to write this blog.
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