JORDAN Crane helped England trounce Ireland 32-8 in the under-21 World Championships to seal fifth place in France.

The former South Bromsgrove High School pupil played in the final match as England made it nine wins out of ten matches.

England were unlucky not to qualify for the quarter-final stages after being edged out on points difference by New Zealand.

Against Ireland first half tries by Danny Care and Alex Rogers gave England a 15-8 lead. Anthony Allen, Michael Hills and Rogers touched down in the second half.

Coach Jim Malinder said: "There is no doubt that this is an incredibly tough tournament but that's when you learn the most about players."

l In England's penultimate match Crane came on as a second half substitute in the 13-11 win over Wales.