May 10 2002

England

Wayne Routledge scored the opener in a 4-1 win over Spain which handed England third place in the U-17s European Championships.

England’s first was scored thanks to some great play by Garry Borrowdale and Routledge.

With the score still level after 37 minutes, Borrowdale crossed from the right to find Routledge sprinting forward to send the ball past Spanish keeper Roberto Santamaria from an acute angle.

Three minutes later, Routledge was once again at the centre of attention as he used his pace to escape his marker on the right wing and float the ball across for Everton’s Wayne Rooney to slide the ball into the net from close range.

Routledge then went on to prove that he is one to watch for the future as he once again turned provider for an on-rushing Rooney who headed home England’s third goal.

Rooney then sealed his hat-trick and England’s fourth goal of the afternoon as the youngsters were able to secure third place in the UEFA Under-17s Championships.