Stop the presses, England have won a penalty shoot-out.
The Three Lions' Under-17 team were triumphant in the final of the European
Championship on Wednesday night, romping home on penalty kicks 4-1 against
Holland after the match ended 1-1.
The victory for John Peacock's talented group of youngsters emulates the
achievements of England Under-17s in the same tournament four years ago.
On that occasion the likes of World Cup-bound Everton midfielder Ross Barkley,
Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland and West Brom striker Saido Berahino were among
England's heroes.
So, what potential England stars of tomorrow have been on show in Malta?
Dominic Solanke - 16 - Forward
The Chelsea youngster has become a key member of Peacock's team in recent
months. The 16-year-old scored England's goal in the final and boasts an
impressive record for the Three Lions, netting 11 goals in 14 appearances.
Powerful, athletic and quick, Solanke is a regular for the Chelsea Under-18s.
His late brace helped the Blues to a thrilling 7-6 aggregate victory over Fulham
in the FA Youth Cup final earlier this month.
Jonjoe Kenny - 17 - Defender
Scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out. Kenny spent seven years in the
Everton academy before signing scholarship forms with the Toffees in June 2013.
The defender is equally adept at full-back and centre-back, and made his debut
for the Under-17s in the Euro qualifier against Armenia in October.
Patrick Roberts - 17 - Forward
The 17-year-old possesses a blend of great skill and technique which makes him
a valuable attacking outlet. Played a part in England's goal against Holland and
topped the assist charts with four, as well as weighing in with three goals
during the tournament. Made his first-team debut for Fulham against Manchester
City in March having signed professional contract that will keep him at Cottage
Road until June 2016. Is rumoured to have caught the eye of Arsenal, Barcelona
and Real Madrid.
Ryan Ledson - 16 - Midfielder
Captained the Under-17s to the title. Has spent 11 years at Everton's academy,
signing as a scholar in 2013 at the same time as Jonjoe Kenny. The
tough-tackling midfielder has excelled in the middle of the park for England and
his smooth passing is often at the heart of England's approach play.
Freddie Woodman - 17 - Goalkeeper
The son of Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman is one of the most
highly-rated young goalkeepers in the country. Conceded just one goal during
qualification and has been a regular starter for Newcastle's Under-18s. Has yet
to make a competitive appearance for the Magpies' Under-21s but did play for
Newcastle's reserves in a friendly against York aged just 14. Signed a long-term
contract with Newcastle earlier this year.
Taylor Moore - 16 - Midfielder
Born in London, Moore has lived in France since the age of seven. On arriving
in France, Moore played for Etaples before signing for Lens, where he has spent
the last five years. The midfielder joins an exclusive club of English players
who have donned the national jersey while playing abroad, following the likes of
David Beckham, Owen Hargeaves and Michael Owen. A relatively new addition to the
Under-17 set-up, having joined up with England for the first time in February.
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