BURY had to wait five years between England visits but after the Under-18s enjoyed a successful night at the JD Stadium on Friday they now look set for an almost immediate return.

Neil Dewsnip’s European champions put in a classy display to dispatch a quality Dutch outfit 3-1, with Everton full-back Callum Connor scoring twice and Chelsea striker Dominic Solanke once to cancel out a sumptuous 25-yard strike from Netherlands midfielder Laros Duarte.

After the keenly contested friendly, both Shakers chairman Stewart Day and an FA spokesman confirmed they were in talks to host an Under-21s match at Bury next season.

“We said when we took over the football club that we have got to try to get other events on here and this is hopefully the start of many more to come,” said Day.

“We are in talks now to host an U21s game, which would be fantastic, because that really would raise the profile of the club, with the calibre of players at that level.”

It was feared the night would fall flat after poor advance ticket sales. But more than 2,500 spectators, including Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, as well as a host of scouts, turned out to cheer on an England side brimming with Premier League talent.

They must have been impressed by the quality on display as Solanke led a flamboyant front four that also included Newcastle’s Adam Armstrong, flying Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo and cultured Spurs midfielder Josh Onomah.

Captain Ryan Ledson also showed just why he is being fast-tracked into the Everton first-team with a mature performance in the centre of midfield.

Fans responded in kind, creating a celebratory atmosphere kicked off by a rousing rendition of God Save the Queen.

“It was quite weird to hear the national anthem at the JD Stadium - I think we should try that one every week,” added Day.

“But I thought the whole night was superb, brilliant – putting Bury Football Club back on the map.

“I think it just shows, and Phil Neville mentioned it in the press before the match, that all of the hard work being put in behind the scenes here at Bury is being recognised.

“I believe, a year and a half ago, that there would have been no chance of us staging a game like this.

“But after improvements made to the pitch, the changing rooms and facilities across the board you’ve now got the best talent in the country at U18s level - and European champions to boot - playing at the JD Stadium.

“It’s great news. We have had a good turnout and a great atmosphere and I know that both the FA and Dutch FA have been delighted with the experience.”