Striker Connor Wickham says scoring the goal which won England the European U17s Championships for the first time was the perfect way to end a season which has seen him establish himself in the Town squad and sign his first professional contract. The 17-year-old, who had previously scored both goals in the 2-1 semi-final against France, netted England’s second just after half-time in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Spain.

Wickham said: "I’m buzzing still. We’re champions of Europe and that’s a great feeling. To score two goals to get us through the semi-final and then to score the winning goal in a final is amazing. It caps the season off perfectly. To be crowned a European champion with England is a bit surreal, but I’m delighted.

"It’s a great achievement. I’m proud of what we’ve done and I know our families are as well. We’ve never won it before and were the first England team to lift the trophy. It’s great.”

Coach John Peacock was similarly chuffed: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s the first time we’ve won this competition [and it’s] 17 years since we last won a European title, so it’s a great day for all of us. I’m absolutely delighted for all 18 players because they have worked so hard and the spirit in the camp has been first class.

“This was never going to be a 2-0 or a 3-0 game. It was always going to be tight. We rode our luck but we also had some fantastic blocks and some fantastic defending and all the players contributed to a fantastic game of football.”

Trevor Brooking, the FA’s director of football development, felt there were fine displays throughout the England side: “Spain had some very good players, obviously, but wherever you look, there were good performances from our players as well.

“I thought our two central defenders were outstanding. Nathaniel Chalobah [of Chelsea] is still only 15-and-a-half and he was playing against players that are nearly two whole years older than him. He was excellent.

“Connor Wickham put in another good performance up top, getting a great winner, to add to his two in the semi-final, but, more than anything it was a great team performance and you can see this group have got a great team spirit.

“It is important to get that taste of winning early on and I can see how much they enjoyed it, but we must remember that it’s just a little sample for them. There’s still a long way to go in their development.

“Having said that, it’s really good for this group because it has whetted their appetite. They know what it feels like and they now know they can do it. Hopefully there will be a few of these that will progress into the U21 and senior teams.

“It’s a long time since an England men’s side won a European title and that’s a magnificent achievement. Let’s hope it rubs off on the senior team ahead of the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, striker Ronan Murray and goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin will hope to be in the Republic of Ireland side facing Bosnia-Herzegovina in the final match of their European U19 Championship elite group qualifiers in Ukraine this afternoon.

The Irish youngsters are still in with an outside chance of taking the only qualifying place if England lose to Ukraine and they comfortably beat the Bosnians, the group’s whipping boys.

Murray, who has 13 U19 caps, has played in both games so far, once starting, once as a sub, while McLoughlin, with one cap to his name, has been an unused substitute.

Photo: Action Images

16_Jack_ken_16 added 09:38 - May 31 welldone wickham I watch you and you were wicked mate just do it for town next season
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brockleyblueboy added 10:33 - May 31 He really is the real deal. Also for a 17 year old, those were good mature comments in that interview. If we can hang onto him for a season, he can score important goals to get us to the premiership.
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tractorboynathan added 10:51 - May 31 Cant wait for next season, he will be awesome! Would like chopra next to him, but i still think someone quick next to him would do the job. In the mould of robert earnshaw.
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welshtractorboy added 10:53 - May 31 His goal was quality,yes bring on 2010/2011 with another forward to develop him into world class,K Phillips good shout,he could learn lots from him. Like most would love Chopra on board but think he will stay put. Rumour yesterday Bellamy may sign for Cardiff???? dont get your hopes up, this is a MASSIVE rumour we would have more chance signing Kaka
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Mungo added 11:14 - May 31 Well done Connor! A great achievement. Enjoy a few well earned weeks off and then come back next season, ready to (try to) win some silverware at club level! Welshtractorboy - I agree. Craig Bellamy is wanted by Champions League clubs. It will be a long time before he signs for Cardiff, if at all!
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Mark added 11:16 - May 31 Fantastic, well done Connor! This really gives us something to look forward to next season.
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carsey added 11:34 - May 31 I really didn't want to be reading this today. I would have settled for Wickham having an ok game. All this will do is make it harder for us to hang onto him. Footballers are not honourable loyal people these days they follow the money and fame. He will be gone in the January transfer winow for sure.
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TractorBeezer added 14:04 - May 31 Well done Connor...we are very proud of you! Something very positive to look forward to next season. What's more it looks like we have some very good material to feed the England senior team over the next few years.
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ThatMuhrenCross added 14:07 - May 31 I think Connor knows what is best, and that is getting at least one full-season of Championship football under his belt before moving on. I mean, he won't be missing out on anything if he does stay just one more year, lets not forget nect summer he will still only be 18! Incredible really. But with the support of his dad - a level headed former army officer - Connor will surely come to the decision that his immediate future lies at Portman Road.

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AlwaysBlue added 14:24 - May 31 Well done Connor! All Town fans should be v.proud of your play and conduct throughout this tournament, a shining example to the other youngsters at the club. Hopefully these youngsters will inspire the senior England squad so the whole country can celebrate in June and July.
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dirtydingusmagee added 16:45 - May 31 congratulations CW ,but please keep your feet on the ground ....AT PORTMAN ROAD !
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BerlinBlue added 23:48 - May 31 carsey, i see what you mean but connor just scored twice in the semi, the winner in the final and england have won something! he should be lauded! and it's a generalisation to say all footballers aren't loyal... there are some out there and connor is well advised and has a sensible manager! he most certainly will still be with us past january...
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utrechtblue added 06:19 - Jun 1 If we can sign kevin Phillips- i would pay him 10 000 a week if I had the cash we will be a top 6 side next season. the future of our club has been and will remain in nuturing our talented young players into useful and productive men whilst easing their and the clubs progress by signing established seasoned pros. I saw that my old friend from fc twente and swiss / central africa has signed for Seattle sounders- someone in his mould and they dont make many of his stature would be perfect. Good luck BN and KP and thanks ITFC for moulding another fine young player/man in CW. I love my club. Our club. PS is any other blue going to the game at MK on Saturday? Ghana - my second team play Latvia... the crowd have promised dance songs and laughter. And that is why I love football. I will be in the gold of Brasil....

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