Connor Wickham netted the winning goal as England beat Spain 2-1 in the final of the European U17 Championships in Liechtenstein. Just after the break, the Town striker beat a couple of players on the edge of the area before firing a low shot across the Spanish keeper and into the net.

The first half had ended 1-1 with Liverpool’s Andre Wisdom first netting an own goal, then powerfully heading an equaliser into the Spanish net.

Wickham, who also scored two goals in the semi-final against France having failed to find the net in the group stages, might have made England’s victory more secure having made it 2-1 two minutes into the second period, but shot narrowly over shortly afterwards and hit the keeper with a tired effort late on with Spain laying siege to the England goal.

The Town striker has drawn praise throughout the competition with former Blue Russell Osman even suggesting he would rather take Wickham to the World Cup than Emile Heskey.

Prior to the match, Sir Trevor Brooking, the Football Association's director of football development, revealed that senior manager Fabio Capello is keeping a close eye on the side’s progress and has asked for DVDs of their matches in Liechtenstein: "This U17 group is probably the best I've seen in my time at the FA.

"If they took off their England shirts, you could not tell which country they come from.

"What is really exciting is that if we win the bid for 2018, this crop will be in their mid-20s and some of them definitely have full cap potential.

"It's really important that Fabio takes such a keen interest in the younger teams. He and we want 10 outfield players who are all comfortable on the ball, who can keep possession and play through all three thirds of the pitch.

"It is fantastic that our teams in all three age groups are playing like that and getting tournament experience."

The competition victory is England’s first at U17 level and their first in any age group since the 1993 U18 Championships.

England: 13 Jack Butland, 2 Bruno Pilatos, 3 Luke Garbutt, 4 Conor Coady (C), 5 Nathaniel Chalobah, 6 Andre Wisdom, 7 Will Keane (8 George Thorne, 67), 9 Benik Afobe (11 Rob Hall, 73), 15 Josh McEachran (14 Tom Thorpe, 79), 16 Ross Barkley, 17 Connor Wickham. Unused 1 Sam Johnstone, 10 Saido Berahino, 12 Ben Gibson, 18 Luke Williams.

Photo: Action Images

jas0999 added 18:33 - May 30 Well done Conner and again congrats to Roy for bringing him through and managing his progress brilliantly.
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SurreyITFC added 18:33 - May 30 Great Goal Conner!!!! Well Done to U & England. I look forward to seeing you hit the back of the net for Town next season. COYB - Keano!
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Liverpool_blu added 18:34 - May 30 Superb Performance. MOTM as far as i could see.
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martleshamitfc added 18:34 - May 30 Great goal by Connor, looked strong up front and his hold up play was excellent. Must keep him for next season.
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Tillz9 added 18:35 - May 30 Excellent performance and a really well taken goal.
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Suffolk_n_Good added 18:36 - May 30 Nice one Connor, your gold, pure gold!! What a great achievement for him & the England U17's team. Well done to all.
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tractaboy added 18:43 - May 30 Excellent goal and performance. Definately the star of the England team, although the keeper made some good saves in a nervy second half. Connor had plenty of tv coverage and a good display in front of some of the spanish first team. Well done to him and the team, i would say go and have a drink, but you're all too young! So i'll have one for you.
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arc added 18:43 - May 30 Fantastic. (But how are we going to keep him down on the farm now that he's seen Paree?)
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el_nino added 18:43 - May 30 Phil- Wasn't it the U17 championships...not U19?!
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stinkiusminkius added 18:48 - May 30 Well done Connor and again congrats for being the one beacon of hope in a dire season of Roys management.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 18:49 - May 30 I've been saving my 100th news comment for something worthwhile. So I can think of no better occasion than using it to congratulate Connor. Well done! Your performances in the semi and now in the final have been great. We just know you are going to do the business for ITFC next season. An ITFC legend in the making.
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shropshiretractor added 18:57 - May 30 He looked good, and every time England went forward, they were looking for him. Critical to the team! Now let's add another cup over the next couple of months....then promotion for the Town! COYB!!!!!!!
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Suffolk_n_Good added 19:10 - May 30 Come on Fabio, go with Russell Osmans advice, give Connor a place in your final 23!! DEF GOTTA BE MORE WORTHWHILE THAN EMILE HESKEY!!
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PhilTWTD added 19:19 - May 30 el_nino Er, yes, U17s, said that and U19 in the text in error. Have amended.
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hmhb added 19:33 - May 30 sell sell sell
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gingerbond added 19:33 - May 30 Great goal! That probably adds another million to his value. Will be a key part of our success next season.
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TractorBoy added 19:36 - May 30 Well done Connor :)
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hmhb added 19:38 - May 30 you wont see him in a town shirt again, mark my words
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ChambersM added 20:16 - May 30 good stuff connor
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ipswichjon added 20:48 - May 30 Watched the match, Wickham was difference, at times it was like a man against school kids. This time in 4 years he'll be wearing a full England shirt at the 2004 world cup!
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mickeyjb added 20:51 - May 30 Great to see an Ipswich lad doing well and getting praise from both us and professionals alike.
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ChambersM added 20:52 - May 30 2004?! Haha what about highlights?
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stinkiusminkius added 20:55 - May 30 Quality goal fromConnor. Also had another near miss when he showed a good turn of pace from the right wing to just shoot over. Shouldve scored when 1 on 1 near the end. All in all a good performance - held the ball up well to bring team mates into the game, good flick ons, but always with that bonus that he has the ability to score. But let's keep our feet on the ground with him, and also we can't expect him to play too much next year or he could suffer burn out. Exciting times ahead though. And on a bit of a tangent, did anyone see the Spanish lad called Gerard? Total class and the best playeron the pitch by a distance. Keep your eyes on him for the future.

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jesus added 21:16 - May 30 Holy Crap! Well done Connor. Glad you're here!!!!!!
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north_stand77 added 21:38 - May 30 Well done Connor! Very well taken goal. You deserve to be very proud of yourself and it was also good to hear positive comments associated with our football club again. I really hope Connor stays with us for as long as possible. Would rather have an exciting player to watch on match days than money in the ITFC coffers. And he is a genuine Ipswich player.
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