BOLTON have their very own captain of England.

Teenager Alex Cunliffe, a student at Turton Sixth Form College, was appointed to skipper the England Schools Under 18s after an impressive three match tour of the USA.

The 17-year-old played in all three games of which England won one and drew the other two against University opposition.

The central defender played a real captain's performance in his first game wearing the armband in Belfast when he helped steer his side to a 4-1 win over Ireland at Glentoran's Oval ground.

Ireland levelled at 1-1 but Alex headed England ahead and then had a hand in the next two goals which secured victory. His impressive display should keep him in the side to face Wales at Newport a week on Friday with a game against Scotland planned for later in the month.

Alex, who lives in Over Hulton, is captain of Manchester County Schools under 19s and last year captained the British side that won the world Catholic Schools tournament in Hungary. His football progress has not gone unnoticed and he is currently playing non-contract with Walsall.