Academy duo Conor Coady and Andre Wisdom face the match of their lives when they line up for England U17s against Spain in the final of the UEFA European Championships later today.

The pair have been in terrific form for John Pea****'s Young Lions side and they have further enhanced their growing reputations in the tournament.

Andre Wisdom



Many supporters will remember Wisdom from the 2008-09 FA Youth Cup run that saw the Academy side reach the final.

Strong as an ox and comfortable in possession, Leeds-born Wisdom was utilised in a holding central midfield role in which he impressed many observers.

Academy U18s' head coach Rodolfo Borrell occasionally experimented by using Wisdom on the right side of midfield in 2009-10. As ever, he always gave 100 per cent and used his power and pace to good effect.

However, his best position is at centre-half - his role for England U17s. A classy defender, he is a formidable barrier to the opposition and can bring the ball forward and set up attacks.

He has also captained England U17s on occasions and is a real prospect. He has appeared on the bench for the Reserves and will be hoping to get more experience with John McMahon's squad in 2010-11.

Conor Coady



Conor is England U17s' captain and a real leader.

The young Scouser is also our U18s skipper and had an excellent debut campaign under Borrell last season.

A young man with a level head on his shoulders, Coady plays the holding midfield role just in front of the back four and can also operate at centre-half.

He made his Reserve team debut as a substitute in our final game of the season away at Sunderland and is sure to feature more prominently for McMahon's side in 2010-11.

He reads the game well and is an inspiration to his teammates. A natural leader, he will always come to the fore when the chips are down and will be a key man for England against Spain.