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Woolston's Proud Record
Written by Newcastle Utd
Newcastle keeper Paul Woolston has yet to taste defeat in an England shirt - and is keen to keep that run going throughout the European Under-17 Championships
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Paul Woolston has yet to taste defeat in an England shirt since making his international debut last August, and the Newcastle United goalkeeper is looking to maintain that record throughout this summer's UEFA European Under-17 Championships in Bulgaria.
The 16-year-old from North Shields played in all three of the Young Lions' group games, keeping clean sheets against Italy and the Republic of Ireland to help John Peacock's side reach the quarter-finals.
Russia lie in wait in the last eight as England look to retain the trophy they won in Malta last summer. The game is live on Eurosport on Saturday afternoon.
And Woolston will be hoping to make it a lucky 13 appearances for his country, having played his part in nine wins and three draws so far.
"I was with my dad the other day writing them down," he told TheFA.com. "It's something I don't think many people have achieved, so I'm hoping I can continue that streak up until the final.
"We couldn't have started the tournament much better. It was the toughest group out of the four so to get two wins and a draw has been a good start.
"Having a set back four in front of me has made it easier and we have got a good understanding. We know how each other plays and we recognise how we can help each other out."
Woolston has conceded just one goal - a Reda Boultam penalty in the 1-1 draw against Holland - in the tournament so far.
Last year, his fellow Newcastle netminder Freddie Woodman was in goal for England's victorious squad, which also included Adam Armstrong.
Woodman starred in the final, performing heroics in a penalty shoot-out against Holland, and Woolston would love to follow in his team-mate's footsteps.
But he said: "Listen, what Freddie achieved and his performances last year were brilliant. I want to replicate his feat by winning the tournament - but I want to do it my way.
"I want to make sure that we don't get to penalties, I want to win it the way I want by doing it inside the 80 minutes, and the lads not having to rely on me in a shoot-out. Of course I'd be confident if any of our games go to pens, but I'd rather win a match outright."