WE'RE ON TOP OF THE WORLD

England Seniors fly flag for Lions

- John Lyons

JAMIE Coyle played his part in England Veterans retaining the Seniors World Cup – and is hoping Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions can follow in their footsteps with Euro glory this summer.

The 41-year-old Whitstable Town manager was a mainstay as the Over-40s triumphed in Bangkok, Thailand, edging out New Zealand 1-0 in the final thanks to former Crewe and Burnley winger Steve Jones’ winner.

Coyle was captain in the opening game – a goalless draw against Australia – and the defender went on to play every minute as England took the spoils for the seventh time.

He wasn’t the only player with Non-League links as he featured alongside the likes of Stamford’s Jon Challinor, 43, and Chatham Town’s Matt Bodkin, 40.

“It was a huge honour to be asked to lead the team out for the first game,” he told The NLP. “It’s something I will remember for the rest of my life. We had a talented squad with some players who had played in the Premier League so that made it extra special.