England U20 W vs Colombia U20 W

Lydia Bedford's side dominated possession throughout against a well-organised Colombia side that sat in a low block and threatened on the counter. England created the better chances in the first half. Princess Ademiluyi came closest when clever linkup between Vera Jones and Lola Brown unlocked the Colombian defence, but goalkeeper Sophia Quiroga pushed the striker's curling effort away. Lucy Newell also fired narrowly wide after reacting quickest to a loose ball, and Vera Jones almost caught Quiroga out with a dangerous corner delivery.

Colombia's best opportunity came midway through the first half, but Cox produced an impressive one-on-one save to keep the score level.

England carried their momentum into the second half. Newell's perfectly weighted pass over the Colombian defence released Ademiluyi, whose effort from a tight angle was tipped over the bar. The Young Lionesses thought they had found the breakthrough just before the hour when Rachel Maltby fired home from a clever free-kick routine, only for the referee to disallow the goal for a foul. Moments later, Brown came within inches of a stunning opener as her long-range free-kick crashed back off the post.

Despite England's sustained pressure, Colombia held on to force penalties. Cox was the decisive figure, saving Colombia's opening spot-kick to give England the early advantage. The Young Lionesses then converted through Laila Harbert, Lexi Potter, Maltby, Jessie Gale and Eva Hendle. Cox produced her second save of the shootout to secure a 5-4 victory.

Katie Cox (England) — The Chelsea goalkeeper made a crucial one-on-one save in open play and saved two penalties in the shootout, earning player of the match honours.

Princess Ademiluyi (England) — The Gotham FC striker was England's most dangerous attacking outlet, forcing two saves from Quiroga with well-struck efforts.

Lola Brown (England) — The Chelsea midfielder came within inches of scoring with a long-range free-kick that hit the post, and was heavily involved in England's best attacking moves.

The 0-0 scoreline reflects Colombia's disciplined defensive organisation rather than a lack of chances. England dominated territory and created the clearer openings — Ademiluyi's two efforts saved, Brown's free-kick hitting the post, and Maltby's disallowed goal — but could not find a way past Quiroga. Colombia's threat was sporadic but dangerous enough to require Cox's best save of the match in the first half.

The result meant England won the three-team mini-tournament following their 1-1 draw with the USA on 10 July and Colombia's 1-0 win over the American hosts on 12 July. The Young Lionesses head into September's FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland with an unbeaten record from the USA camp. England begin their World Cup campaign against Canada on Saturday 5 September (5pm BST) at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biala, followed by matches against Tanzania and the hosts.

A productive final test for Bedford's side. England were the better team throughout and created enough chances to win in normal time, but the penalty shootout provided valuable match pressure ahead of the World Cup. Cox's performance in goal is an encouraging sign, while the front four of Ademiluyi, Brown, Jones and Newell showed promising chemistry.