It's World Cup Wooly

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

There was joy and pain for Paul Woolston as England qualified for the FIFA Under-17s World Cup with a shoot-out victory over Spain on Tuesday.

The Newcastle United goalkeeper started for John Peacock's side, who were knocked out of the UEFA European Under-17 Championships at the quarter-final stage on Saturday following a 1-0 defeat to Russia - despite a Woolston penalty save.

With the score at 0-0 against Spain in Bulgaria and only a few seconds remaining, the 16-year-old from North Shields was forced off injured.

Jose Maria Amo's challenge left the Magpies youngster grounded and saw him replaced by Leeds keeper Will Huffer, whose penalty shoot-out save from Dani Olmo booked England's place at October's showpiece tournament in Chile.

Inside the opening two minutes, Woolston denied Spain striker Kuki with an outstretched leg before the late drama unfolded.

A goal was initially awarded as Amo jumped into Woolston to force the ball over the line, before the officials changed their mind and signalled for an England free-kick following a six minute delay while Woolston was treated.

Fortunately, Woolston was able to walk off the pitch and his replacement Huffer helped England to qualify for World Cup in South America with a 5-3 shoot-out success.

Earlier in the week, Huffer had told TheFA.com that he was taking inspiration from Newcastle keeper Tim Krul's heroics for Holland.

"I may get on in the first minute or the last minute, but I have to ensure that I'm ready to be there for my team," he said. "Tim Krul showed last summer that it is possible to have a big impact even if you are not number one."