For much of the game France were the better team, but indiscipline proved to be their downfall as they finished the game with just 8 men. They did take the lead however, with the ever dangerous Yacine Brahimi crossing for Gueye to finish in the eighth minute, following an impressive start by Les Bleus.

England gradually got a foothold in the game after that though, with Briggs missing a volleyed chance before the breakthrough came. Arsenal starlet Henri Lansbury was once again the inspiration as a free kick rebounded to him and the central midfielder made no mistake from just outside the box, drilling home through the crowded area to equalise, taking his tally to three goals in three games at the tournament.

France could and perhaps should have retaken the lead just after half time when Gueye had a chance to double his tally but sliced his shot and from that point onwards it was England who had the best chances and with a save from Drinkwater’s shot and denying Lansbury on two more occasions France had Remi Pillot to thank for not conceding as the game moved towards extra time. Even with Corchia being dismissed after a tackle on Nile Ranger the French managed to hold on to force the extra half an hour.

They lasted just two minutes into the extra period though as England’s superior numbers told, Aston Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso finishing after yet another Pillot save and the highly rated 18 year old then struck again to put the result beyond doubt. There was still time though for France to lose another two players as El Kaoutari recieved his second yellow card before Boudebouz followed him after being given his marching orders for dissent.

England can now look forward to the Final against the hosts Ukraine on Sunday in Donetsk as they look to become European Champions of their age group.