Dream debut as George scores winner for England U16s

George, who signed for Everton last October, came on at half-time for his debut in Wednesday afternoon’s friendly at Las Rozas in Madrid and hit the late winner with a superb curling strike.

“It was a great finish from George – I’m pleased for him,” said England Under-16s head coach Kenny Swain.

“It was his first call-up and he came on in the second half. We’ve had four new players involved and they’ve all done really well.”

A tight game between two well matched teams seemed destined for a draw before George collected the ball near the Spanish penalty area.

He appeared to have few options before sending a terrific curling shot past Spanish goalkeeper Guillermo Lara to win it for England.

The 18-strong squad were using the three-day trip as part of their preparations ahead of the Montaigu Tournament in France which starts next month.

Former St John Fisher pupil George signed for Everton from Bradford City for an initial £300,000 but that could rise to £2 million depending on future appearances.

The midfielder started playing football at Thornhill aged seven before joining Bradford’s Centre Of Excellence two years later.

At Fisher he captained his year on two fine runs in the English Schools Cup, reaching the last 32 for two years running, while he also appeared for them in four Spen Valley Schools Cup finals.