Hogan Scores As England Progress

A GOAL from Hammers Academy star Hogan Ephraim helped England Under-17s book their place in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship Finals with a 3-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

Goals from Ephraim and Southampton's Theo Walcott just after half-time were enough to seal England's passage at a rain-lashed Bescot Stadium.

England substitute James Vaughan made certain of the victory in stoppage time after Ireland's James Ryan scored a consolation goal for the visitors with a stunning long-range effort that cannoned in off the crossbar.