JORDAN Spence was captain and fellow Hammers schoolboys Tom Harvey
and Tony Brookes started for England Under-16's, but they could
not prevent a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Northern Ireland.
Corey Evans scored three minutes into injury time to give Northern Ireland a shock victory.
In 67 meetings between the countries, Northern Ireland had never previously stolen bragging rights but Evans ensured it was a night to remember, when he capitalised on a short back pass by Jordan Spence at the heart of England's rearguard.
Evans' goal was Northern Ireland's first shot on target in a game England should have wrapped up by half time, with Middlesbrough's Nathan Proffitt again impressing down the left.
Proffitt was denied by an excellent save after a mazy run down the left and then Daniel Broadbent hit an effort on to the roof of Ireland's goal.
Leeds' Michael Woods, who impressed, could have scored but dragged an effort wide, while in the second period lively substitute Victor Moses was again denied by a strong save - on an evening that Northern Ireland's youngsters will always remember.