CIRENCESTER pals Tom Luce and George Shutt have joined a long line of players who have lost a penalty shoot-out in an international competition when wearing an England shirt.

Luce and Shutt lined up for the Hartpury College U18 side which had earned the right to represent England at the prestigious Roma Caput Mundi tournament in Italy after winning the England Colleges FA National Championship when beating Gateshead College in last year’s play-off final.

The tournament played on artificial 3G pitches featured teams from Romania, Albania, Greece, Russia, San Marino and two from the host nation.

The England side went through the tournament unbeaten, defeating Greece 5-2, with central midfielder Luce getting their first goal of the competition, then San Marino 2-0 before they tackled a representative side from Serie A giants Lazio.

The game finished 2-2 after 90 minutes and went straight to penalties in which an inspired Lazio goalkeeper helped his side to a 5-3 victory. Lazio than went down 1-0 in the final to an Italian national side.

Luce and Shutt are both studying a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, specialising in football at Hartpury.

“It was a fantastic experience in Italy,” said Tom, “although playing three games in four days was pretty demanding.

“We learned a lot playing against different footballing cultures and we had to adapt quickly because the referees did not allow us to play the sort of physical game we are used to in England.

“I thought we were unlucky not to go through against Lazio as we created enough chances to just edge it.”

Paul Tassell, Hartpury’s junior football programme manager, said: “For the team to be undefeated in three games and the highest scorers in the group phase is an outstanding achievement. They have been a credit to ECFA and Hartpury College.”

Luce has been almost ever present in the Cirencester Town Development team this season, while Shutt turns out for Stratton United U18s in the North West Youth League on Sundays.

In previous years they have been almost inseparable coming through the ranks at Cirencester Town from U8s to U16s, winning two league titles and three cups along the way.

They have another big date next Wednesday when Hartpury face Myerscough College in the final of the ESFA Boys Colleges Trophy final at Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium.

Luce missed the semi final through injury when his team-mates beat Stanmore College, featuring a number of young Barnet FC players, 1-0.

On what has been dubbed BUCS Big Wednesday the Hartpury men’s first XI – which includes present and past Cirencester Town players Matt Liddiard, Ed Williams, Brad Hopper, Jamie Edge and Chris Knowles – travels to Loughborough to play Stirling in the BUCS Football Championship final.

Luce added: “I would love to extend my stay at Hartpury after my two-year BTEC course as I can’t speak highly enough about the college.”