England U19s to play Euro semi-final in tribute to late coach
Marc Lovering, the RFL’s Director of Participation and Development who is also at the tournament in Udine said all members of the England Community Lions Under 19s camp were devastated following McMahon's sudden passing.
As a mark of respect, officials requested time to consider the team's position in the competition.
"We only felt it right to ask and respect the wishes of Gary's family, and wanted to discuss things with our squad and staff here." Lovering said.
"Gary was an extremely valuable member of the Lions programme and very proud to represent everything that we stood for.
"We want to continue, Gary would have wanted us to continue and the consensus of everyone is to continue in the competition. We look forward to facing Wales tomorrow in our semi final."
Tournament director, David Butler, said: "We have worked with the England Community Lions squad to ensure they receive the necessary support after such devastating news including from Steve McCormack, director of welfare for Rugby League Cares, who is here with them in Italy".
McMahon was a popular and respected figure around the game who has coached at Leigh Miners Rangers and previously Wigan St Judes.
"On behalf of the Community Lions in Italy, the RFL and the sport, we send deepest condolences to Gary’s family and many friends," Lovering said.
"It is hard to process that we have lost a man who was in his element on Saturday, working with our young Community Lions players on a wonderful Rugby League occasion.
"He has played a huge part in the development of the Community Lions programme in recent years, as well as influencing so many players at community clubs such as Leigh Miners Rangers and Wigan St Judes."
The Community Lions finished second after Saturday’s pool stages, which included a 14-4 win over the Welsh. England’s performances improved throughout the day, whilst Mark Jones’ men only conceding 40 points in their six matches.
Ukraine booked a berth in the semi finals after recording an historic win over Ireland, while also dispatching Italy and Serbia.
The Ukraine team received a standing ovation from the Pasian Di Prato crowd before taking the field for their first game against the Irish, which was decided by Oleksandr Levandovskyi’s conversion of a Yevhen Checheta try as the whistle went.
"It was a super Saturday for us," said Artur Martyrosian, president of the Ukraine Federation of Rugby League.
"We are rubbing shoulders with the top teams in youth rugby league in Europe. I am very proud of all our players who worked so hard to get here and all day to secure great results. We will continue to prepare well and do our best."
Ukraine’s opponents will be holders France, who dominated the day conceding only one try, scored by Andy Djeukam of England. throughout their six 20-minute games, as head coach Eric Anselme rotated his squad.
The European Plate will be contested between Ireland, Italy and Serbia who will meet each other in 40-minute games tomorrow, with a further round of fixtures on Saturday, the top of the table nation being crowned the winner.
Ireland will go into it as favourites following valiant performances against England and Wales.
Hosts Italy will be hoping that their win over Serbia, which included a Davide Saita brace, will be a platform that they can improve from. Serbia are looking for their first win, with Darren Fisher’s side looking to use the longer-format games to gain some momentum.
Tuesday 6 September
14.00 France v Ukraine
16.00 England v Wales
European Shield Round 1
18.00 Ireland v Italy
19.00 Italy v Serbia
20.00 Serbia v Ireland
European Shield Round 2
Saturday 10 September (40 minutes each way)12.00 Ireland v Italy13.00 Serbia v Italy
14.00 Ireland v Serbia
