'Do the North East proud' - Readers praise Sunderland teenage footballers called up to represent England

Teenagers Taylor Richardson and Matthew Wade will take to the pitch against Australia next month in a friendly before taking on Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in April.

The 17-year-olds, of Sunderland College, have gained praise from sports fans across the city, who have wished them well in their future careers.

Steve Golightly, soccer director of football education, said: “It’s always a pleasure to see talented footballers who apply themselves and get the recognition they deserve; and that’s certainly true in Matty and Taylor’s cases.”

Here are some of your messages from the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:

Chris Parry: “Brilliant! Well done lads!”

Tom Goodey: “A great achievement.”

Brian Fulcher-Blige: “Good luck lads, do your best and do the North East proud.”

Ginette Adey: “Well done lads … good luck.”

Don Jeffels: “Never mind local rivalries, all North East kids deserve congratulations on international call-ups, regardless of which home nation country! Well done from me.”

June Tate: “Well done boys! Best of luck.”

Ann Simpson: “Well done guys and good luck in the future.”

Kaylie Crawford: “Might not have the best team but Sunderland have produced some amazing players.”

Ann Stephenson: “Well done lads I'm not a Sunderland supporter but that makes no difference just go out and do your best and keep enjoying playing footie.”

Craig Thomas Hylton: “Well done lads go and smash it!”