Jack Wilshere, Kyle Bartley- England u-17s 2 Russia u-17s 3

Jack Wilshere played 90 minutes for England u-17s today against Russia, but couldn’t prevent the Three Lions from suffering a defeat which means that their hopes of reaching the European Championships are very slim to play the least. Two goals in four minutes got the ball rolling for the Russians with Alexander Kolkorin and Alexander Stolyarenko both finding the net. England responded through Matty James on 45 minutes but Yuri Pugachev scored to stretch the Russian’s lead. Aston Villa powerhouse Nathan Delofouneso pulled one back for England but it proved to be nothing more than a mere consolation. England’s final qualifier is against Israel on Sunday, but after the game coach Brian Eastick admitted that it will have little significance.

“We are out of it. It might have been different if we had got a point but it’s not to be. This team has real potential so it’s a shame they won’t be going to the European Championships.”

Kyle Bartley was left on the bench, whilst Thomas Cruise missed out through injury. With Eastick himself admitting that the Israel game is of little relevance, then he may take it as an opportunity to rest some of the regular players and allow somebody like Bartley a chance to play.