A GROUP of young Devizes footballers know exactly how the England national team feel after they suffered a last-minute defeat to France in their own version of Euro 2004.
The Rowde Primary School side, made up of ten and 11-year-olds, took part in Team Bath's mini Euro 2004 competition at the University of Bath on Tuesday.
Ten schools from the South West were invited to take part and were drawn sides to represent from the real-life tournament out of a hat.
Rowde were given the honour of representing the Netherlands, who have been saddled with a reputation for dressing room in-fighting.
But there was no such problem for the Rowde youngsters as they swept through their group stage without losing a game.
They defeated the Czech Republic (Sefton Park Junior School, Bristol) 2-0 and then drew 1-1 with England (St Anne's Park Primary, Bristol).
In their third match they thrashed Russia (Bathampton Primary) 4-0 to book their place in the semi-finals.
Rowde were drawn to face France (St Philips Primary, Bath) in the semi-finals and had a chance to avenge their England heroes' defeat to France on Sunday.
But the match went the same way with France coming back from 1-0 behind to win 2-1 with a winning goal ten seconds from the end of extra-time.
Despite the disappointing end to the competition Rowde deputy-head John Ivey said the pupils had thoroughly enjoyed the event.
"It really was an excellent event and Team Bath had every detail organised," he said.
"When invitations for the tournament were sent out we just applied and were told we had been given a place.
"We were the only team from this area to be playing and it was just a nice things for the kids to be involved in.
"We couldn't believe we lost to France in the same way England did but we still had a great time.
"Our team spirit was excellent and maybe we could teach the real Dutch squad a few lessons!"
Rowde's Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Patrick Kluivert hot-shots proved to be Owen Alsop and Sophie Wright who top-scored four and two goals respectively.
Ivey added: "The competition was a lot of fun and we'd love to be involved if they do something similar again."
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