A Letchworth teenager has made his first appearance for the England under-16 football team in a 2-1 win over Romania last weekend.

This is the second time Tom Smith, who lives in Sollershott East, has represented England at youth level.

The 15-year-old goalkeeper’s dad, also called Tom, expressed his delight at the progress his son has made and is optimistic about his footballing future.

He said: “It gave him an incredible sense of pride and it was a great honour.

“It really does make the many hours spent ferrying Tom to both matches and training feel worthwhile, but it is important that he remains grounded and continues to keep working hard.

“We’re really proud, but there is still a long way to go.”

His first appearance came for England under-15s in February this year, in a 1-0 victory over Belgium.

In addition to his recent England youth call-ups, Tom – who attends Stevenage’s John Henry Newman School – also represents Arsenal at under-16 level.

His greatest ambitions are to one day play in the Champions League and represent England at full international level.