The Ipswich Town striker was on target as England beat Spain, 2-1 to lift the U17 Euro title through his second half goal. England came back from an own goal on the same day the senior squad benefited from a pair against Japan.
Wickham is already being touted as the next Steven Gerrard with Fabio Capello following his career with great interest as are about half a dozen Premiership coaches.
He also fired England into the finals with a two goal display against the French side in the semi-finals.
This was England’s first international success of any magnitude since 1993 when they won the U19 Euro final with Paul Scholes, Sol Campbell, and Robbie Fowler in that squad.
There are huge implications to the development of this U17 side which has been touted as the best group of young footballing talent to come out of England in the last two decades. If all goes to plan, we shall see them peak for the 2018 World Cup which could be held in England, notwithstanding the recent kerfuffle, to revive memories of a 1966 repeat.
Wickham is looked on as integral to the fortunes of the Tractor Boys as they struggle in the Championship. Roy Keane reportedly turned down a £5 million offer for him from Spurs saying he would get “lynched” if he let Wickham leave. The young striker’s idol is Fernando Torres and if he continues this way, England have their own “El Nino” in hand.