Cousins captains England to glory

Charlton youngster Jordan Cousins captained England to a ninth consecutive Victory Shield title at Tynecastle Stadium on Thursday night.

The young defender, a key man in Charlton U18s' FA Youth Cup advance to the third round, was handed a starting role as Kenny Swain's side took on the 'Auld Enemy' in Edinburgh.

West Ham United's Blair Turgott's second-half strike sealed England's triumph - the starlet hooking home a right-footed shot from 10 yards on the hour.

Swain's side was made to work for their win, though, after Scotland broke the deadlock on 25 minutes through skipper Jack Grimmer, the Aberdeen youngster drilling past Jordan Pickford in the England goal.

But England's reply was almost immediate with Arsenal's Zak Ansah levelling inside three minutes, pouncing on an error from Scott Campbell to poke home.

The Tartan Army saw strong penalty claims waved away when a high ball into the box hit Adam Jackson's left hand and England held on to allow Cousins to lift the trophy aloft for a second season running - but for the first time as captain.

The win means Charlton have had a Victory Shield winner within their ranks for the past four seasons thanks to the efforts of Chris Solly, Jonjo Shelvey and, for the past two years, Cousins.

Greenwich-based 15-year-old Cousins will be looking to further showcase his talents when Charlton face Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup on Monday (7pm).

Tickets for the clash are priced £5 adults and £1 concessions. Places will be available on the day and from the turnstiles in advance of kick-off.

The club is planning to open the lower west stand only, and unfortunately, under Football Association rules, the Addicks are unable to grant season-ticket holders free admission. The match will be resolved on the night, with extra-time and penalties if required.