BEN Cull flew the flag for Bournemouth and Greenfields Youth when he won his spurs for England.

The teenager made an impressive debut in England under-16s’ 1-0 win against Wales in the Sky Sports Victory Shield on Friday.

And Ben, who attends Bournemouth School for Boys, had a hand in England’s goal with Chelsea’s Charlie Wakefield netting to ensure their defence of the trophy started with a victory at Kidderminster’s Aggborough Stadium.

Ben took his first steps in the game as a youngster at the Littledown Leisure Centre before moving on to Greenfields Youth, one of the most successful clubs in the area.

He followed in the footsteps of former Cherries and Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp by becoming the second Greenfields Youth product to win England honours.

Ben started playing for Greenfields in the Bournemouth Youth League at the age of seven and opted to develop his talents with the club despite interest from elsewhere when he was nine.

He was eventually snapped up by Southampton and currently has a place in their much-vaunted Academy which has produced the likes of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Luke Shaw.

As a club, Greenfields places great emphasis on individual player development and fulfilment and Ben is one of eight current or former players in the Southampton Academy in various age groups, while another is at Chelsea.

The club also has players in the Cherries and Portsmouth academies.

Greenfields Youth chairman Hugh Craig told the Daily Echo: “We are very proud to have had a loyal Greenfields player represent his country.

“Ben was one of the two youngest members of the squad.”

It is hoped that Ben’s next appearance for the England under-16s will be in his home town when Cherries host a Victory Shield clash at Dean Court (see story below for further information).