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Woolston's Italian Job
Written by Newcastle Utd
Newcastle goalkeeper Paul Woolston kept a clean sheet as holders England won their first game of this summer's UEFA European Under-17 Championships
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Holders England began their UEFA European Under-17 Championships campaign with a victory as Newcastle goalkeeper Paul Woolston kept a well-earned clean sheet.
John Peacock's side, who won the competition in Malta last summer with the help of Adam Armstrong and Freddie Woodman, are looking to defend their crown in Bulgaria.
Their first Group D game was against Italy in Burgas on Thursday afternoon and a 47th-minute goal from Tottenham youngster Marcus Edwards proved decisive in a 1-0 win for the Young Lions.
And the three points were sealed when North Shields-born Woolston made a confident claim from a corner to relieve the pressure as the Italians pushed forward late on.
The result leaves England top of their group after one game, as Holland and Republic of Ireland drew 0-0 earlier in the day.
Coach Peacock told TheFA.com: "There's a lot of plaudits, but we will keep it settled and their feet on the ground as it's only one game of three."
Woolston and his team-mates will face Holland on Sunday evening before their final group game against Ireland on Wednesday.