Delfouneso Double Defeats France

Last updated : 31 July 2009 By Tom Vickers
Nathan Delfouneso followed in the footsteps of Villa teammates James Milner, Gabby Agbonlahor and Craig Gardner as he guided the England Under-19's into the final of the European Championships.

The 18 year-old hotshot scored twice in the first period of extra time to help his side see off France and set up a meeting with host nation Ukraine on Sunday.

Delfouneso, who is missing the majority of Villa's pre-season to play for his country, has really managed to show his class during the tournament.

And he will now be hoping to go one better than Milner, Agbonlahor and Gardner who lost out in the final of the Under-21 Championships in Sweden earlier in the summer.

Brian Eastwick's Under-19 side had gone behind on the night after just eight minutes as Magaye Gueye struck early for the French.

But, Arsenal's Henri Lansbury drew Delfouneso and co level on 37 minutes and France were reduced to 10 men with 12 minutes of the game to go as Sebastien Corchia saw red.

Soon after, it was the Delfouneso show as he netted from close range in the second minute of extra time and then rounded keeper Remi Pillot which took his tournament goal tally to four.

France had two more players sent off before the end as England progressed.

Delfouneso's focus now turns to the final ahead of what could be a busy season back at Villa Park.