West Brom prospect part of international side hit for seven to kickstart u19s showpiece
It was not the start to the tournament the Welsh youngsters hoped for on home soil.
Albion’s Ollie Bostock was part of the Wales under-19s to kick off their opening home European Championship tournament with a heavy 7-0 defeat to Spain.
The 19-year-old Baggies prospect is one of the star turns for his country at age group level and started at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground for the clash against the 12-time winners.
It proved an occasion to forget for the Wales juniors, who are managed by former senior stalwart Chris Gunter.
Bostock, who hails from Lichfield having been born in London, played the full 90 minutes as the hosts quickly succumbed to a scintillating Spanish display.
The scoreline was 4-0 to Spain at half-time with a fifth arriving immediately after the restart.
Spain’s squad is made up from players at Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and other continental powerhouses.
Bostock remained a source of attacking for Wales and saw shots blocked in the final 10 minutes.
The Baggies teen was an influential part of the Wales team’s qualification for the tournament and has captained his country at under-19s. He has also played twice this year for the under-21s.
Bostock was part of a Wales senior training camp earlier in the summer and remained in the squad for a friendly double-header against Ghana and Romania. He was an unused substitute in both.
It was a breakthrough season at club level for Bostock, who made nine first-team appearances and scored once.
Wales boss Craig Bellamy watched the under-19s clash in Wrexham as he remains at the helm despite almost moving to Burnley last week. The switch to Albion’s Championship rivals broke down and Bellamy appears set to remain in charge.
Fixtures for the under-19s Euros, held annually, will this summer take place at Wrexham, Bangor, Denbigh and Caernarfon.
Eight teams take part across two groups. Wales also face Germany, on Wednesday and again in Wrexham, before a clash against Denmark at The Racecourse.
England, champions in 2017 and 2022, have not qualified since victory in the latter.