Robert Hall made a winning start at the prestigious Montaigu Tournament in France as England's Under-16 side beat Russia 3-1 in La Chaize le Vicomte.
The West Ham United striker, 15, has scored twice in five appearances for the Hammers' Under-18 side this season and was part of Kenny Swain's starting eleven on Wednesday afternoon as England began their defence of the title.
West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino netted twice, after three and 56 minutes, while England's third goal was scored by Everton's Jake Bidwell.
Hall was replaced late on by Liverpool's Connor Coady, but will hope to be back on the pitch when England take on the United Arab Emirates in their second Group B fixture in Les Sables D'Olonne on Thursday afternoon.
The Ivory Coast are the fourth team in England's group, while Group A includes hosts France, Australia, Germany and Mali. The top nations in each group will contest the final in Montaigu on 13 April, while the two runners-up will face each other in the third-place play-off on the same day.
Reigning champions England have won the Montaigu Tournament three times before, in 1978, 2000 and last Spring, when Swain's team completed a 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory over France following a 1-1 draw in the final.