Source: Daily_Mail
England youngsters show the seniors how it's done by claiming UEFA Under 17 title
John Peacock's youngsters became the first England men's team to land a European trophy in 17 years after they came from behind to defeat the tournament favourites Spain. [LNB]England battled their way to the Under 17s Championship after Ipswich Town's Connor Wickham capped a stirring fightback with a superb winner amid jubilant scenes at the Rheinpark Stadium in Liechtenstein. [LNB] Pure delight: England's Andre Wisdom (right) and Nathaniel Chalobah celebrate the Liverpool man's equaliser against Spain[LNB]Wickham's delightful solo goal two minutes after the break ensuredthat a group of youngsters singled out by Sir Trevor Brooking as beingthe best he has seen during his time at Soho Square, lived up to thedirector of football development's lofty assertions. [LNB]And what a boost it must be for Fabio Capello and his side as they prepare for the World Cup finals. [LNB]It was 1993 when England lifted the Under 18 version of thiscompetition and at times Sunday, it was not pretty, as Peacock's sidetried to end the trophy drought. [LNB]Spain laid siege to Jack Buckland's goal in search of an equaliserbut a combination of solid defence, good fortune and good goalkeepingensured that skipper Conor Coady, of Liverpool, held the trophy aloft,surrounded by delighted white-shirted colleagues.[LNB]Manager Peacock said: 'I'm absolutely delighted for the players because they've worked so hard and the spirit has been first class.[LNB] 'It means a lot to the English game. We've got our critics; that we're not producing players. I think we have produced many good players in this tournament. What was missing was a trophy that we can put our name to. Hopefully, we won't have to wait another 17 years for another one.' [LNB]Spain were cheered on by their senior squad, watching from thestands in the tiny stadium in Vaduz, but that made no difference toEngland who produced a gutsy display. [LNB]It started badly when Liverpool's Andre Wisdom deflected a21stminute cross into his own net from Barcelona's outstandingprospect, Gerard Deulofeu. [LNB]Prior to that, England keeper Buckland made several good saves butstrangely, conceding the goal seemed to have a positive impact andWisdom quickly atoned for his moment of misfortune by nodding homeChelsea youngster Josh McEachran's corner to equalise. [LNB] Wicked Wickham: Ipswich star Connor Wickham capped an excellent tournament with a stunning solo goal[LNB]But the winning goal would have left even England boss Capellopurring. Everton's Ross Barclay sprayed a delightful pass to the leftflank where Manchester United's Will Keane was quick to feed Wickham. [LNB]He then powered past two defenders as he cut across the area before curling a shot into the bottom corner. [LNB]There were still scares aplenty before England could celebrate.Finland referee Antti Munukka did not give a penalty after Coady caughtReal Madrid's Jese Rodriguez and then Wisdom thumped a clearanceagainst team-mate Luke Garbutt only to see the ball rebound onto theupright. [LNB]Buckland also palmed one dangerous cross from Deulofeu wide asSpain's star toyed with England's full backs. But Peacock's side stoodfirm to seal a memorable victory.[LNB] England U17s 2 France U17s 1: Wickham seals final berth against SpainImpeccable England set for French test as Under 17 side aim for European finalAtletico Madrid sign Arsenal starlet Fran Merida on five-year dealRodwell: United link was an honour but Everton is where I wanted to be [LNB] [LNB]
