Hereford-born footballer Connor Wickham played a major role in England’s triumph at the European Under-17 Championship in Liechtenstein.

The Ipswich Town youngster scored twice in the semi-finals and then bagged the winner in the final as England beat Spain 2-1.

“To score two goals to get us through the semi-final and then to score the winning goal in the final is amazing,” said Wickham. “To be crowned a European champion with England is a bit surreal but I’m delighted.”

Herefordshire man Jack Perks also travelled to Liechtenstein with the England football squad.

Perks is chairman of the FA Youth Committee and vice-chairman of the Herefordshire Football Association. He is the county’s representative on the FA.

Wickham’s display in the championship prompted ex-England defender Russell Osman to proclaim him as a better alternative than Emile Heskey for England’s World Cup squad.

Meanwhile, Hereford United’s Gavin McCallum scored a 93rd-minute equaliser as Canada drew 1-1 with Venezuela. McCallum came on as an 81st-minute substitute and netted with a last-gasp back-post header.