Bowditch flew out to the United Arab Emirates still suffering the after-effects of an injury picked up while on loan at West Ham.

The 19-year-old Spurs reserve remained on the bench for the opening two group matches, which both ended in 1-0 defeats, but managed 80 minutes in the 0-0 draw against Columbia.

"Ben was tremendous, I've never seen the lad work so hard to get fit," said Reed. "He wanted to get a game in and was perfectly fit for the last game against Columbia."

Bowditch is a midfield holding player and impressed in his fetching and carrying role.

"He blocked out the midfield. He won the ball and gave it simple," said Reed. "I have given a glowing report to David Pleat (the Spurs manager). If he needs a Steffen Freund he has one."

Reed has also had contact with West Ham boss Alan Pardew, who has expressed an interest in taking Bowditch back on loan if he fails to break into the first team at White Hart Lane.

Speaking of England's overall performance, was happy with the performances from his very young squad, if not the results.

Reed said: "To concede two goals in three games and only gain a point is disappointing. Everyone played out of their skins against us. I saw the Japanese after their game with us and they could not walk. The next game they lost 4-1 to Columbia.

"I think it's the old thing, when you're playing England everyone raises their game."

The boss continued: "I was not disappointed in the performances at all. We lost both games by narrow margins and were still in with a chance (of qualifying) in the last game.

"We were the youngest by far ó our average age was 18 and a half and I had eight 17-year-olds. The players gained great experience for the future."

The pick of the 17-year-olds was Newcastle United central defender Steven Taylor, who "looked absolutely first class" according to Reed.

Taylor and his peers will still be eligible for the next U-20 World Youth Championship in 2005. Joining them there might be Bowditch's younger brother Dean, a striker already in the first team squad at Ipswich Town.

"Dean should be just right for 2005. I expect him to do well," added Reed.

* The FIFA U-20 World Youth Championship was won by Brazil, who defeated Spain in the final.