ALTRINCHAM'S Lewis Chalmers came off the bench to help England win the inaugural European Challenge Cup last night.

The England National Game XI, made up of the cream of non-league's young stars beat Holland 4-1 to clinch the trophy at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium.

The Dutch side took the lead after just five minutes with a strike from Michael The, who fired home from the edge of the area after John Schot's effort had rebounded off the post.

But although the Dutch side continued to threaten with their slick passing and intelligent movement, it was England who struck next.

Craig Mackail-Smith was brought down inside the box after going clean through and Steve Morison stepped up to send Holland keeper Sven Taberima the wrong way from the spot.

And England took the lead five minutes before the break when Northwich defender Kieran Charnock rammed the ball home after George Boyd's cross had caused a scramble in the box.

Chalmers got his chance midway through the second half when he replaced Northwich's Michael Carr, initially playing in midfield before moving up front alongside York City's Clayton Donaldson.

The 20-year-old was typically energetic and used his aerial ability to good effect as the home side went in search of their third goal.

England didn't have to wait long, as Boyd stole the ball off Peter Post and shot powerfully into the corner of the net.

Mackail-Smith rounded off a good night for England by slotting the ball past Taberima after Donaldson had played him in.

There was still time, however, for Chalmers to make his presence felt, the Alty star having a shot deflected over the bar and almost setting up Donaldson after a superb run and cross.

After the game, the Alty youth product could hardly hide his delight.

"It was amazing," he said. "It was just a great feeling to pull on the shirt and get out there, especially when we got such a big win.

"I had been told on the morning of the game that I would be getting on at some point, it was just a case of waiting for my opportunity.

"When I did get on it was just unbelievable. My first touch was a flick on and I do love those.

"The whole set-up is brilliant, we have been treated like kings this week - it's something I could definitely get used to.

"All my family were here to watch me as well, so I think I got the loudest cheer when the names were read out at the start of the game.

"It was just a great night."