ALEX Day earned himself another England cap, and helped set up a fine try, but was unable to prevent the Under-18 side losing 26-21 to Scotland.

It was a disappointing defeat for the youngsters who led 21-13 at the break during the FIRA/AER European Championship match at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, Leeds.

Scrum-half Day, an integral member of the St Joseph’s College side in Ipswich, played a crucial part in England’s second try as the hosts opened up a 14-0 lead after just 10 minutes played.

But Scotland hit back and despite going in at the interval two scores behind, they rallied to leave England shell-shocked and nursing only their second defeat in three years.

Head coach John Fletcher said: “We’re disappointed to lose the game. I’m interested in seeing how the players respond. Every team in every sport has been beaten at one point or another and it’s how you bounce back from defeat that counts.”