BUILD the stadium and they will come.

Derek Davis

BUILD the stadium and they will come.

Well the sentiment may not have been fully realised by Colchester United just yet in terms of league attendances but nearly 10,000 fans crammed into the Community Stadium to see England beat old enemy Germany 1-0 last night.

Arsenals Henri Lansbury cracked in the winner in the 29th minute aided by Manchester United's Daniel Welbeck.

United's Ben Amos in the England goal made a couple of top class saves to ensure the Young Lions finished victorious on a historic day for football in Colchester.

Never before has the country's oldest recorded town hosted an international and, traffic congestion problems apart, they did the Football Association proud.

The kick-off was delayed 10 minutes to allow supporters to get in and before the usual flurry of late substitutes the match was entertaining and enjoyed by a youthful crowd.

Robbie Cowling, Colchester United chairman, said: “It was really good to see the stadium full and it was a great atmosphere.

“You don't get many internationals much bigger than England Germany, even if it is Under 19s.

“I can't wait until this stadium gets the same sort of crowd for a Colchester game.

“It is a realistic opportunity and if we can get through the next round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy game and get the area final here with the prospect of a game at Wembley, then the place will be buzzing.”

Cowling is also hopeful that more internationals will follow, but appreciates parking and traffic congestion remain an issue.

He added: “I know the FA have been very pleased with the stadium and there is a chance we can get an England Under-21 game here.

“It is a shame that the transport system is not that good. Getting to the stadium is a problem that other people need to look at. It is a brilliant facility for the town now let us make the most of it.”