DANIELLE CARTER and her young England teammates suffered extra-time heartbreak on Tuesday evening when they were defeated 3-1 by France in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Women's U17 Championships.
England were on the back foot for the majority of the match in Nyon, Switzerland, but it looked as if they could pull off a victory when Stefanie Marsh curled home a free-kick following a foul on O's Girls' Centre of Excellence player Danielle.
But France hit back immediately and equalised through Pauline Crammer's spot kick. The heroics of England goalkeeper Lauren Davey took the game to extra-time, and Lois Fidler's team thought they had re-taken the lead on 86 when Jess Holbrook slammed home following an incisive through ball from Carter.
However, a marginal offside decision cut short the celebrations and there was further disappointment for England six minutes from the end when Marine Augis beat Davey after holding off challenges from Marsh and Jemma Rose.
A second penalty for Les Bleus, this time finished by Marina Makanza, killed off England's challenge and set up a final against Germany.
England will play Denmark in the third-fourth play-off in Nyon on Friday.
England: Lauren Davey (Watford), Lucy Bronze (Sunderland) (Jemma Rose - Plymouth Argyle, 84), Stefanie Marsh (Everton), Jessica Holbrook (Everton), Jodi Jacobs (Chelsea), Gemma Bonner (Leeds Utd), Sarah Wiltshire (Arsenal) (Lucy Staniforth - Sunderland, 64), Jordan Nobbs (Sunderland), Danielle Carter (Leyton Orient), Rebecca Jane (Chelsea) (Rachel Daly - Leeds Utd, 62), Isobel Christiansen (Everton)
Goal: Marsh (46)
France: Laëtitia Philippe (Montpellier HSC), Floriane Hellio (Stade Briochin), Caroline La Villa (AS Lattoise), Anaïg Butel (FCF Juvisy), Adeline Rousseau (Verchers St Georges sur Layon), Charlotte Poulain (Evreux AC), (Charlène Olivier - FCF Hénin-Beaumont, 100), Inès Jaurena (VGA St Maur) (Rose Lavaud - Limoges Landouge F, 97), Solène Barbance (Rodez Aveyron F) (Marine Augis - Tours FC, 51), Pauline Crammer (FCF Hénin-Beaumont), Léa Rubio (FCF Monteux), Marina Makanza (Claix F)
Goals: Crammer (pen 49), Augis (94), Makanza (pen 99)
Referee: Laurence Zeien (Luxembourg)
