Monarchs celebrate shoot-out victory over Wales Pic: Anthony Upton

Staplehurst Monarchs claimed glory for England on Sunday after winning the under-13 UK Tesco Cup at Birmingham’s St Andrews stadium.

The Monarchs won the right to represent their country in the national tournament after progressing through from the regional and national heats.

A 1-0 victory over Scotland in the semis took the Monarchs through to the final where they beat Wales on penalties, after the tie had finished 1-1, to lift the trophy.

Andy Thomas, who is the joint manager with Lee Mackelden, said: "We’re just so proud of the boys.

"It is a fantastic achievement for a team that last year was playing under age and were getting beaten pretty heavily.

"Little did we know less than 12 months on we’d be playing at such a fantastic venue and being crowned the champions of the UK. It’s just amazing."

Monarchs’ Theo Duckworth was named player-of-the-tournament by former Arsenal star Martin Keown after his goals proved crucial.

He scored the only goal in the semi-final to beat Scotland’s Fauldhouse Foxes and set up a final encounter with Ysciefiog Wolves from Wales.

Duckworth put Monarchs ahead but hopes of taking the title in normal time were dashed when they conceded an equaliser a minute from time.

A goalless extra-time period saw the tie go to penalties and Monarchs emerged victorious after scoring all five and winning 5-4.

Squad: Tom Kleywegt, Connar McLaughlin, Ollie Alexander (c), Cameron Cook, William Thomas, Alex Sturt, Christian Hutson, Tom Menditta, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner, Niall MacDonald, Theo Duckworth, Ross Nowers, Elliot Matthews, Tom Probin.