THEO WLCOTT scored his fourth goal in eight games for his country as England under-17s got their UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign off to a winning start.

The Saints starlet, playing on the right wing, made the first and scored the second as John Peacock's side came from behind to beat Serbia and Montenegro 3-1 at Stoke City's Britannia Ground.

Walcott, pictured above, who was only 16 earlier this month, swung in a pinpoint centre which allowed Myles Weston to head the 35th minute equaliser.

And within a minute the youngster who hit the national press headlines after scoring Saints' Youth Cup winner against Arsenal last month, lobbed England into the lead after racing on to an outstanding pass from West Ham striker Hogan Ephraim.

Under-16s manager John Peacock said: "There is an excellent spirit and great belief in the camp and that's backed up by a lot of ability.

"It's a great start to the group against a very good side but I said it would take three disciplined and quality performances and there are still two more to go."

Walcott is expected to play in the under-17s second qualifier against Northern Ireland at Molineux tonight, and in the final game against the Republic of Ireland at Walsall's Bescot Stadium on Wednesday.

Saints trio Martin Cranie, Matthew Mills and Dexter Blackstock helped England under 19s to a 1-0 win against Denmark, in their opening UEFA European Championship qualifier at Crewe Alexandra's Gresty Road.

Blackstock, currently on loan to Plymouth, missed a couple of chances but worked hard and centre backs Mills, left, and Cranie helped keep a clean sheet as the Saints trio started an England under-19s match together for the first time.

In doing so, it was the first time three Saints players had started for England in a competitive match at any level since the 1950s.

England coach Martin Hunter said: "We defended well and are delighted with the clean sheet. Our concentration levels were good throughout and we looked threatening going forward."

Blackstock, Mills and Cranie are all expected to retain their places against Sweden at Bury's Gigg Lane tonight.

England under-19s complete their qualifying group campaign against Moldova at Blackpool on Wednesday.

Saints midfielder Jake Thomson played the first 49 minutes as England under-16s beat Cameroon 2-1 in their final group match of the Montaigu tournament. They now face Ivory Coast in a play off for fifth place.