England C manager Paul Fairclough paid tribute to James Constable after the Oxford United striker had played for his country for what might be the last time at the Kassam Stadium.

Because of his age, 24, he will be ineligible for England C’s next games, starting in September.

But Fairclough said ‘Beano’ could be pleased with what he had done for the team.

“He’s led the team up front and led the line well, I’m very proud of him,” Fairclough said after England’s 1-0 defeat by Belgium in the final of the International Challenge Trophy.

“He scored the goal in Italy that got us into the final and he’s been great for us.

“Having someone who’s got a heart like that is really going to help a team like Oxford.”

There was disappointment from Constable himself that he couldn’t cap a great season – in which he had smashed 25 goals for Oxford United – with a second one for his country, especially with so many U’s fans, and quite a few of his family, watching in the stands.

“It’s been a long run, since my first game a couple of years back in Finland, to winning the group and doing really well to get to the final,” he said. “To miss out at the final hurdle is a bitter pill to swallow.

“Playing for England has been a phenomenal experience for me, from start to finish. It was a proud moment to be able to pull on the shirt, and I’ve been lucky enough to do it three times.”