Pat Sparkles For England

Pat Roberts played the full 90 minutes of England Under-16s’ narrow 4-3 defeat by Germany in Cologne on Wednesday.

England took the lead three times – with Roberts pivotal in the build up to the second and third goals – but were undone by Germany captain Benjamin Henrichs’ 74th minute winner.

Primarily situated on the right-wing, Roberts caused the German left-back problems throughout the match with his direct running and neat footwork and it was his good wide play that led to goals for Manchester United’s Demetri Mitchell and Newcastle United’s Adam Armstrong.

Roberts only turned 16 earlier this month but has been a regular for Steve Wigley’s Under-18 side.