Oxford Lions’ Luke Ballinger came agonisingly close to leading England to qualification for the final stages of the World Cup for the first time.
Competing in the preliminary qualifying competition in Latvia, captain Ballinger and his teammates missed out on goal difference to Norway, who edged through as the best runners-up.
After being hammered 7-1 by Latvia in their opening Group C game, England saw off Cyprus a 3-2, with Ballinger heading the winner after having a long-penalty saved.
England then beat San Marino 5-3, but Norway’s 4-3 victory over Andorra in Group B ended their hopes.
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