Reading forward Dom Ballard scored a hattrick for England Under-19s in an emphatic 7-1 win over Mexico in the Marbella Cup.

On loan from Southampton, the teenager scored all three in the first half as the Young Lions were already 5-1 up at half-time. 

Simon Rusk’s side won all three of their matches over the break, beating Japan 3-2 and Romania 6-0.

The youngster had been in good form for the Royals before the break too, scoring against Shrewsbury Town in the final league match before heading off on England duty.

He is the club’s top scorer in League One with three goals in nine appearances, although Sam Smith is catching up with two in three matches.

Meanwhile, England’s Elite Squad [formerly Under-20s] beat Germany with a dramatic 90th-minute winner to steal a 3-2 win.

Royals youngster Nelson Abbey was given a red card with 10 minutes remaining for a controversial tackle.