Playmaker Merida started for Spain and scored their 2nd goal in the 2-0 victory over France yesterday. England also won 2-0, against Iceland, with midfielder Lansbury playing the full 90 mins and defender Hoyte coming on as sub 18 minutes from time. Striker Murphy didn't play. In the 2-2 draw between Belgium and Holland, attacking midfielder Barazite emulated his Spanish clubmate by scoring the first equaliser for the Dutch early in the 2nd half.

The next round of group matches are on Friday. Meanwhile the Arsenal under-18 team will have to make do without the five players for their southern area U18 national playoff semi-final against Leicester City, which takes place on Sat 5 May. The winners go forward to the national final against the winners of the northern semi-final between Manchester City and Sunderland.