Express & Star

West Brom youngster scores hat-trick for England U17s in tournament final

Albion youngster Morgan Rogers has scored a hat-trick in the final of an international tournament for England under-17s.

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Morgan Rogers. Photo: WBA

The 16-year-old striker, who also scored in an earlier win over Norway, bagged three goals in the 6-2 victory over Belgium in the Syrenka Cup final.

Rogers, who only turned 16 at the end of July, was named in his first senior Albion squad a fortnight ago when he remained an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup.

England U17s beat Norway 6-0 in their group stage game to finish top of Group B before overcoming Portugal 2-1 in the semi-final to set up a final against Belgium.

Unlike the senior squad, who lost twice to Belgium at the World Cup, Steve Cooper’s young side blew away their opponents with Rogers starring.

He isn’t the only Albion youngster to shine internationally this week.

Midfielder Rekeem Harper and defender Nathan Ferguson both started for Keith Downing’s England U19s as they beat Belgium 2-1 on Monday.

Sam Field played 90 minutes for England U20s in their 2-0 over Switzerland on the same day.

Another Albion youngster, 15-year-old Louie Barry, is sparking a tug of war between England and the Republic of Ireland thanks to a series of impressive performances for both nations.

Barry, who was born in Sutton Coldfield but has Irish heritage, scored twice for Ireland U16s in their 4-2 win over Bulgaria.

Earlier this year the striker scored 10 goals in five games for England U15s at a tournament in Italy.

Meanwhile, Albion striker Salomon Rondon scored both goals for Venezuela in a 2-0 win over Panama. Rondon is on loan at Newcastle United for the season.

The Syrenka Cup is an eight-nation tournament for international youth teams that takes place in Poland. It has been going since 1986 and Syrenka means mermaid in English.