Key takeaways
- Chelsea: Diakite, Kavuma-McQueen and Greenwood all started the final.
- Jashayde Greenwood: Hit the post as England chased an equaliser.
- Spain: Added their second goal deep into stoppage time.
Jashayde Greenwood struck the post as three Chelsea academy players started England’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in Saturday’s UEFA Friendship Cup final.
Calvin Diakite and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen joined Greenwood in the starting XI in Nyon, while Gabriel Sambou remained an unused substitute.
Spain captain Junior opened the scoring before half-time, leaving England chasing a fourth successive victory after beating Colombia, Egypt and Korea Republic in the group stage.
Greenwood comes close to England equaliser
The FA’s match report described Greenwood beating several defenders after receiving the ball down the right.
His shot towards the bottom corner hit the post, denying England an equaliser.
Kavuma-McQueen, who agreed a season-long Portsmouth loan in August, also threatened.
The winger tested Spain goalkeeper Lopez from distance and created an opportunity for Ajay Tavares. He later supplied Max Little, whose effort also struck the woodwork.
Late Spain goal ends Chelsea trio’s hopes
Diakite made way in the 69th minute as England pursued the game.
Their pressure failed to produce a breakthrough, and Rafa Cruz settled the contest with Spain’s second in the seventh minute of added time, as confirmed in Chelsea’s international round-up.
England finished the tournament with three wins and one defeat, with Greenwood and Kavuma-McQueen both involved in their best chances to turn the final around.
