Although Dane Scarlett and Alfie Devine combined to find the back of the net for England’s Under-20s, it was not enough as they were knocked out of the FIFA U-20 World Cup by Italy in the round of 16 stage.
Given their impressive showing in the group stages, England were billed as one of the favourites to go all the way in Argentina, with Dane Scarlett and Alfie Devine being two of the best players on show for the young Lions.
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The pair combined once again to equalise for England on 24 minutes in La Plata on Wednesday after Tommaso Baldanzi gave Italy the lead with just 8 minutes on the clock.
Scarlett made a half a yard himself on the left flank and delivered a dangerous cross with his left foot, which Devine turned in at the near post with an excellent finish.
The Spurs midfielder had been unlucky not to get on the scoresheet earlier as his rasping drive came off the woodwork in the 15th minute of the game.
However, the night ultimately ended in heartbreak for the Tottenham pair as Italy were awarded a late spot-kick by the video assistant referee following a Jarell Quansah handball, with Cesare Casadei stepping up to convert the penalty to send his side through to the quarterfinals.
Watch the highlights of the encounter by clicking here or viewing the TikTok video below.
@fifaworldcup A late winner decides it! 😳 #England #Italy #U20WC ♬ original sound – youhavethelyricsnowsing
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Scarlett and Devine will both be heartbroken as England certainly looked quite capable of going all the way.
The circumstances of the exit would be particularly hard for them to take, given the controversial penalty decision.
However, both Spurs youngsters can hold their heads up high as they have been among the best players on show in the competition and will certainly hope to have some sort of involvement back in north London next season.
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