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. 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. Pure delight: England's Andre Wisdom (right) and Nathaniel Chalobah celebrate the Liverpool man's equaliser against SpainWickham'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. And what a boost it must be for Fabio Capello and his side as they prepare for the World Cup finals. 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. 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.Manager Peacock said: 'I'm absolutely delighted for the players because they've worked so hard and the spirit has been first class. '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.' 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. It started badly when Liverpool's Andre Wisdom deflected a21stminute cross into his own net from Barcelona's outstandingprospect, Gerard Deulofeu. 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. Wicked Wickham: Ipswich star Connor Wickham capped an excellent tournament with a stunning solo goalBut 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. He then powered past two defenders as he cut across the area before curling a shot into the bottom corner. 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. 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.  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  

Source: Daily_Mail