The first of the penultimate-round encounters saw England come from behind to beat Russia 4-3.

Russia took an early 2-0 lead, but England fought back to draw level by half-time and completed the win with two second-half goals before their opponents grabbed a late consolation.

Victory earns England a place in their first major final in the partially sighted B2-B3 category.

Standing between them and overall success are defending champions Ukraine, who looked in control throughout their match against Spain en route to recording a 3-1 triumph.

Spain scored late on but it was not enough to deny Ukraine the opportunity to retain the title they won in South Korean capital Seoul in 2015.

Fifth to eighth-place play-off matches were also played today with Turkey beating Japan 9-2 and France overcoming hosts Italy 3-1.

The results mean France will meet Turkey in the fifth-place play-off, while Japan will go up against Italy in the seventh-place play-off.

Both games are scheduled for tomorrow.

The bronze medal match between Spain and Russia is due to take place on Saturday, prior to the final.

The tournament is for B2 and B3 players, who have less impairment than the B1 category where athletes are almost or totally blind.

It is being run by Tigers Paralympic Sport, a member of the Italian Paralympic Federation for the Visually Impaired (FISPIC).

The tournament is the seventh edition in all, with action returning to Europe for the first time since 2004 when Manchester in England played host.