Hallam Hope and John Lundstram both featured as England U17s followed in the footsteps of their senior counterparts and were knocked out of the World Cup by Germany.
The Germans, managed by Duncan Ferguson's best mate Steffan Freund, soon doubled their lead. Pickford's punch from a corner failed to clear the danger, with Kaan Ayhan of Schalke prodding home after a shot from the edge of the area.
England began the second period brightly and captain Nathaniel Chalobah produced a wonderful bicycle kick that was met by an even better save. Hallam Hope also saw his header fly just wide.
The Germans extended their lead with their next attack, with Yesil tapping in his second of the game after his team-mates had all too easily cut through England's defence.
England were handed a lifeline on 67 minutes in the shape of a penalty kick, which was well converted by centre-half Sam Magri. Shortly afterwards John Lundstram was replaced by Jack Dunn as England sensed an unlikely comeback.
A couple of attacking substitutions paid dividends as England pulled another goal back on 82 minutes. An awful error from a German defender allowed Nathan Redmond possession. Redmond shot, the goalkeeper could only parry and Hallam Hope was on hand to tap in the rebound. 3-2.
4 minutes of injury time proved fruitless as England could not force a penalty shoot-out, and their second-half efforts were ultimately without significant reward.
England's efforts for the game, and the whole World Cup, were perfectly summed up by the commentator on Eurosport in no more than two words: "brave failure".
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