Robert Hall played his part as hosts England crushed Malta 5-0 in their second match of a UEFA European Under-17 Championship mini-tournament on Monday night.
The West Ham United man featured for the whole of the Group 7 contest, which has put them in the driving seat to qualify for the finals this summer. The Young Lions had won 4-0 against Sweden on Saturday - with second-half replacement Hall on target - before their latest victory. Chuks Aneke scored twice with the other goals coming from William Keane, Benik Afobe and Harry Kane.
Hall, who does not turn 17 until October, had been a substitute at the weekend but his dynamic display had earned him a starting berth this time around. He so nearly scored a wonder goal to match his effort against Sweden, slaloming beyond three defenders before just failing to beat the keeper. It was his quick feet that also won England a penalty on the hour but the kick was missed.
The Hammers youngster will hope to keep his place in the group decider on Thursday against Slovakia at the Sixfields Stadium home of Northampton Town. A draw would be enough to see England through to the summer tournament, which will be played in Liechtenstein between 18 and 30 May. Holders Spain, Portugal and Greece have already qualified, with five berths left up for grabs.