One goal was enough against Argentina
England’s semi-final was decided by a single goal. The team protected its lead through disciplined positioning and careful control of the central route to goal. In electric wheelchair football, a small gap can create a shooting chance, so every defender had to keep the correct distance and angle.
France reached the final with a more comfortable 4-0 win over the United States. The different scorelines do not make the final easy to predict. England had already beaten France 3-1 in the opening game of the tournament, but both teams have since played a full schedule and adjusted their approach.
The first meeting offers information, not a guarantee
Dylan Kelsall scored twice and Ed Common added the other goal when England beat France in the group phase. France will now understand more clearly how England create space for their main attackers. The Para Lions must vary the speed and direction of their passes instead of repeating the same route.
England also need patience near the French goal. A rushed turn can close the shooting lane or leave the team exposed after losing possession. Moving the ball one pass earlier can pull a defender away and open the angle needed for a controlled finish.
Experience and youth have carried England to the final
Senior players such as Chris Gordon and Jon Bolding provide calm in difficult periods, while younger team-mates including Dan McLellan have accepted important attacking roles. That balance helped England move through the tournament and survive a tight semi-final.
The final begins at 7pm BST on 23 October. England won silver at the 2023 World Cup. Reaching another final confirms their place among the strongest electric wheelchair football teams, but victory over France would give this squad the world title it travelled to Argentina to win.