A TALENTED footballer from Worcester has been praised for his part in England under 19s’ 1-0 win over Germany.

Nathan Baker, aged 17, of Dines Green, who was making his England debut, was one of just a handful of players who was acknowledged by head coach Brian Eastick as he praised the team's defensive discipline. Mr Eastick said Nathan, who played the full 90 minutes in front of 9,692 people, had put in a good performance.

“Young Nathan Baker did very well, it's very pleasing,” he said. “We've got some good young players and the friendlies are about giving them the opportunity to show what they can do, and we learn more about them all the time.”

Nathan, who plays for Aston Villa Football Club, was watched by his parents Rob and Sylv at Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium on Tuesday night.

Mr Baker said: “Nathan played really well. He really enjoyed it and I think he was quite pleased with how well he had done.

“He didn’t show any nerves and only had one little blip, but everybody in the second half started to make a few mistakes because it was a bit tight.”

Mr Baker said Nathan was given two England shirts and a DVD of the game as a memento of his performance.