Young Lionesses came back from two goals down to secure a draw in the first of two fixtures against Finland Under-17s.
England women’s under-17s kicked off their 2026-27 season with Macy Bangura and Betty Fisher netting late goals to secure a 2-2 draw for Kerri Welsh’s side.
The Young Lionesses faced Finland at Project Liv Arena in Pietarsaari on Thursday 10 September, as the squad prepares for round one of qualification for next summer’s UEFA WU17 EURO finals.
Riina Huikuri was denied by England ‘keeper Victoria Rudz, while Ayomide Junaid saw her effort blocked and Stevie Sinclair was twice thwarted in front of goal.
Finland took the lead before the hour mark when Annie-Joy Boichat’s misplaced pass landed at the feet of Helmi-Sofia Palmu, who hit it into the roof of the net.
Rudz smothered an opportunity for Sara Varis, but Enni Patronen soon doubled the advantage.
With only three minutes left in the 90, Isabelle Ranger set up Macy Bangura for an easy tap-in.
Then, with only a minute remaining, Ranger again crossed, this time for Betty Fisher to fire into the bottom corner and level the score at 2-2.
Following the 2-2 draw, a penalty shoot-out ensued to determine the winner, with Finland winning 3-2 on spot-kicks.
The England WU17s will be back in action when they face Finland again on Sunday 13 September (12pm BST) at Lemonsoft Stadion in Vaasa.
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