Alex Denny played the full game as England Under-17s were cruelly denied in the European Championships final, losing 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw with Spain.
The Blues midfielder again impressed for Steve Cooper’s side, who just fell short in their quest to win a 12th consecutive game and land England’s third triumph in the Under-17s competition.
The Young Lions opened the scoring in Varazdin, Croatia thanks to Callum Hudson-Odoi 18th-minute deflected strike, but Spain levelled seven minutes before the half-time interval as Mateu Morey applied the finish to a free-flowing team move.
Phil Foden regained England’s advantage with a 25-yard strike into the bottom corner, a goal that looked as though it would secure victory.