A LATE goal from England's David Thompson was enough to beat a gallant under-18 side in the European championships in France

Ireland only had themselves to blame for squandering chances. After only two minutes Dessie Baker poked wide from three yards and after a corner Ross Darcy headed over from a Simon Webb cross.

A mix-up between Irish goalkeeper Derek O'Connor and Colin Hawkins in the 85th minute saw the ball run loose for Thompson to score. Even at this stage Ireland could have rescued matters when a Hawkins pile driver from outside the area was superbly touched around the post by the English goalkeeper Wright.

Spain's 3-0 demolition of Italy saw them go through to the final where they meet France. There was compensation for the Republic - they finished third in their group and thus qualified for the FIFA under-18 world championships in Malaysia.