STUDENT Lewis Binns made his England soccer debut in a St David's Day match against Wales.

The 17-year-old former pupil of the Dell Primary in Chepstow and Wyedean School is currently studying A-levels at Hartpury College.

Lewis spent time at Cardiff City's academy – so he was lining up against players he knew for the under-18 Centenary Shield game played at Lincoln City's Sincil Bank stadium.

He said: "I didn't imagine when I first came to Hartpury that I'd reach this level but thanks to the coaching staff and the hard work I've put in it has become possible."

Lewis was part of the Hartpury team that made it to the semi-finals of the England Schools FA Cup this year and are still challenging for four titles.

The college's junior academy manager, Paul Tassell, said: "I am ecstatic and proud to see Lewis in the prestigious England Schools squad.

"With such a rigorous selection process, making squad of 16 it is great reward for him and the programme we have here at Hartpury.

"Lewis was originally selected for the squad and has shown his ability consistently down the left side in the academy team."

The squad travels to Plymouth on Friday for a game against Northern Ireland hoping for a better result after their 1-4 beating at the hands of the Welsh.