Young Lion Leo shines

Leo Chambers has continued his development by helping England to win the FA International Tournament.

The West Ham United first-year scholar was an ever-present as the Young Lions tasted victory in the four-team competition, which they hosted over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The 16-year-old defender captained England to a 1-0 victory over Italy in their opening match at Cambridge United's Abbey Stadium on Wednesday 24 August.

Chambers retained his place for the visit of Czech Republic to Bishop's Stortford FC's Woodside Park two days later. However, the centre-back did not enjoy the same level of success, conceding a penalty - which was subsequently missed by Dominik Masek - as England slumped to a 1-0 defeat.

Thankfully for the young Hammer and his international team-mates, John Peacock's side bounced back in their final fixture against Portugal on Sunday 28 August.

Arsenal's Jack Jebb was the match-winner, scoring the only goal of the game two minutes after half-time at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium.

Chambers played his part too, making a succession of important clearances and blocks as the Young Lions retained the trophy they also lifted in summer 2010.

Having played his part in the FA International Tournament success, the West Ham scholar will be hopeful of keeping his place when England begin their UEFA European Under17 Championship challenge later this year.

Peacock's squad will head to Bosnia & Herzegovina to take on the host nation, Latvia and Holland in the First Qualifying Round between 26 and 31 October.

West Ham have played a big part in the tournament in recent seasons, with Robert Hall helping England to win the tournament in 2010 and Blair Turgott helping the Young Lions to reach the semi-finals in May this year.