England U17 side undone by freak goal as Canada's goalkeeper rescues point

By Laurie Whitwell for the Daily Mail Updated: 15:58 EST, 23 June 2011

A freakish late equaliser scored by Canada's goalkeeper from inside his own half denied England the win that would have sealed their progress to the knock-out stages of the Under 17 World Cup in Mexico.

With the Young Lions leading 2-1 in the 87th minute, Quillan Roberts brought the ball out of his penalty area and hit a hopeful punt from 15 yards inside the half. The ball bounced in England's box and looped over goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

The goal gave Canada their first point of the tournament and means England must at least draw their final Group C match with Uruguay on Saturday to guarantee a place in the last 16.

Liverpool's Adam Morgan opened the scoring in the 46th minute with a glancing header before Sadi Jalali levelled four minutes later.

A cracking long-distance shot from West Ham's Blair Turgott put John Peacock's side back in front with 13 minutes to play before Roberts struck.

Hero: Quillan Roberts celebrates his late goal against England

Hero: Quillan Roberts celebrates his late goal against England

'This game will teach the boys something about playing to the final whistle and never thinking the game is over,' England coach John Peacock said.

'Overall I think we were better than Canada today, but I have to respect the way they fought for everything.'

Heads up! Luca Gasparotto (right) fights for the ball with England's Matthew Regan (left)

Heads up! Luca Gasparotto (right) fights for the ball with England's Matthew Regan (left)

'This a great day for Canada's football. We're really happy with the result,' Canadian coach Sean Fleming said.

'We knew England was a great side. We bent, but we didn't break In this game. Football is a funny game and we got a good bounce today after not getting the bounces in our first game.'


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