Hall gets England call

West Ham United striker Robert Hall has been named in the England Under-16 squad for the prestigious Montaigu Tournament in France in April.

The 15-year-old forward has appeared five times for the Hammers' Under-18 side this season, netting a late winner in the 2-1 FA Premier Academy League victory over Charlton Athletic on 31 January.

The promising Hall has also been in impressive form at Under-16 for both club and country, helping England to lift the Victory Shield last November and earning a call-up from England coach Kenny Swain for next month's competition.

Swain will be hoping his crop of talented youngsters can retain the title they won 12 months ago with a penalty shoot-out success over France in the final.

England's campaign gets underway on Wednesday 8 April when they take on Russia at La Chaize le Vicomte. Swain's team face United Arab Emirates the following day at Les Sables D'Olonne before concluding their group stage matches at La Chaize le Vicomte with a match against Ivory Coast.

Should they top their group, England could take on France, Australia, Germany or Mali in the final at Montaigu on Monday 13 April. The two group runners-up will also contest a third/fourth place play-off at the same venue earlier the same day.

Founded in 1973 and originally held between club sides, the Montaigu Tournament was first contested by international teams in 1976. England have lifted the trophy three times, in 1978, 2000 and last March. They were also runners-up in 1986, 2001 and 2007.