ENGLAND recorded a resounding early victory in a two-leg fixture ahead of the World Cup.

Young footballers from Darlington's twin town, Mulheim, were defeated 8-0 in their first game of a tour.

Mulheim Union 09 were beaten yesterday by the Darlington Schools team at Eastbourne Sports Complex.

The German youngsters will try to even their scores when they play the second game of the tour today.

They take on Darlington Spraire Lads at 12.45pm at Darlington Railway Athletic Club. Entrance to the game is free.

The players will also visit Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

The Town Twinning Association has arranged the trip with help from Darlington Community Partnerships Steering Group.

Group chairman Martin Landers said: "This is a very exciting project. To be able to stage an international football match between German and English schoolboys just before the World Cup will give the town a real buzz of excitement."

Union 09 have invited teams from Darlington for a return fixture in Mulheim in August.