England Under-21s have confirmed their place in the final of the Toulon Tournament with a 1-0 victory over Japan Under-23s.
England went into the game requiring a point to secure a place against France on Sunday and after an uneventful opening, they found the goal that secured them the early initiative.
After John Swift had gained possession on the right-hand side of the penalty area, he was brought down in the box to leave Lewis Baker with the task of slotting the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards.
However, England failed to build on the early goal and towards half time, Japan offered a sustained threat in attack with Ado Onaiwu, Gakuto Notsuda and Takumi Minamino all going close to an equalising goal.
England ended the first half on the front foot with Baker testing Kosuke Nakamura from distance but Gareth Southgate would have been disappointed with the amount of chances created by his side during the opening 40 minutes.
The second half began with Swift almost finding the bottom corner with a 35-yard free kick before Japan nearly stunned the Three Lions when Notsuda's superbly-struck volley struck the crossbar and bounced clear.
Moments later, it was England's turn to hit the same part of the woodwork when Matt Grimes's free kick hit the underside of the crossbar before Woodrow saw his weak header from close range saved by Nakamura.
Chances were few and far between for the remainder of the contest although Japan always offered a threat from distance with Yosuke Ideguchi driving a shot wide from 20 yards.
As England sat back during the closing stages, Japan tried to create a final clear-cut opportunity but they were unable to do so and Southgate's men will now bid for glory in the competition for the first time in 22 years.
Darren Plant
