Wickham prepares for Europe

Hereford born Connor Wickham, who has just been given April's Football League young player of the month award, is preparing to go to the European under 17's Championship which starts in Liechtenstein tomorrow.

The 6ft 3in striker has progressed this season under the guidence of Ipswich manager Roy Keane. Last month he scored three times for their first team.

England play group games against the Czech Republic tomorrow, Greece on Friday and Turkey next Monday. The top two qualify for the semi-finals and the final takes place on May 30. The squad is managed by John Peacock.

"He’s a very level-headed young man," Peacock told the Times.

"I think he’s at the right club and Roy’s done a really good job with him, steadily developing him. He’s a goalscorer but he’s matured a lot in his build-up play.

"Physically he’s a real specimen of a young man so it’s no surprise he’s dealing with the physical demands of Championship football. He’s had a lot of accolades this year but he’s dealt with it all in a very mature manner. Within this peer group, he’s just one of the 18. That can only be of benefit to the team."

---