We took a strong squad to the Norway last week and, with the likes of Jermaine Pennant, Dean Ashton and Jermaine Jenas all showing their quality, no defence in the tournament was able to cope with our swift and incisive attacking play. The only problem was that our defence also struggled to keep out Europe's brightest talent. We took the lead in all three of our games but were pegged back on each occasion, recording two wins and a draw.

Though a spot in the final eluded the young lions, our third pace group finish was enough to secure a berth in next Spring's World Youth Championships.

"Qualifying for the World Youth Cup was the main aim going into these Championships and I'm absolutely delighted that we've achieved that," Hunter told TheFA.com.

"The other main aim was to develop a tournament mentality. We partly achieved that. It was disappointing to have got two draws and a defeat having lead in all three matches but, having said that, we are looking at long-term development and that will stand us in good stead for the future.

"Tournament football means that games come thick and fast and, at this level and you are punished severely for any mistakes you make. That's why it's such a great learning environment for these players. They will learn more form this experience than if we had won all of our games convincingly. "I remember an old quote from Alex Ferguson after United had lost out on the league when his players were still very young. He talked about the way in which the problems they'd had and the mistakes they'd made would make them stronger individually and collectively. We hope our players can do the same and go onto similar levels of success. I don't think that there are any of them that will not have benefited from playing in this tournament.

"We will only know whether they have learned those lessons when we come to the next tournament. Technically and mentally they are a good players so we certainly hope so.

Martin was also full of praise for the way the tournament was conducted, saying: "It was a very well organised tournament. The local organising committee and UEFA were tip-top. I am also full of pride at the way in which our staff equipped themselves. Their professionalism and hard work was there for all to see in a very hectic period."

And Martin is looking forward to seeing how this group of young starlets equip themselves next time around.

"At the World Championships we will once again find ourselves in that great environment for learning," he said. "We'll not only be up against the best players from Europe but from all over the world. The experience that they will gain will be absolutely invaluable."

The World Youth Championships will take place in the United Arab Emirates between March and April next year. TheFA.com will bring you the news and views from inside the camp every step of the way.