Frank Nouble's dream of winning the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Championship is over after Spain ran out comfortable 3-1 winners against England in Tuesday's semi-final.
Nouble led the line once again for the Young Lions and played a part in the side's consolation scored by John Bostock just before half-time. By then, England were two-nil down to well-worked goals from Daniel Pacheco and Keko.
Sergio Canales then wrapped up the win just before the hour mark, with England having just missed out on a second after great work by Nathan Delfouneso and then Nouble saw a good chance go begging.
A consolation for England is that their semi-final appearance at the tournament played in Normandy, France guarantees them a place at the 2011 FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia next year as one of six UEFA's representatives, along with Spain, France, Croatia, Portugal and Austria.
Before appearing in all three group games and scoring two goals, Nouble played a full part in qualifying, helping the Young Lions see off Ukraine, Republic of Ireland and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
He finished the last club season on loan at Swindon Town, having had a spell at West Bromwich Albion prior to that following a successful start to his career at the Boleyn Ground that saw him make his senior debut and play eight Premier League games.