Finalists unite in Liechtenstein praise

After two weeks of competition UEFA European Under-17 Championship  finalists Spain and England have united in their praise for hosts Liechtenstein.

The principality unusually did not field a team after deciding they could not be competitive but fans still turned up in large numbers to watch neighbours Switzerland, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Portugal and Turkey, as well as the two teams who made Sunday's decider in Vaduz, Spain and England. The fortnight will live long in their memories.

England manager John Peacock said: "It's been fantastic. Liechtenstein is a very beautiful country. It's small, so we can get to a training pitch in five minutes and the ground in five or ten minutes; it's very good in that respect. The hospitality, the quality of the training surfaces, the hotels – everything's been first class. It's been like home, and that's helped."

His opposite number, Spain coach Ginés Meléndez, concurred. "Everybody welcomed us with open arms and we have felt at home," he said. "We really want to thank Liechtenstein and the people working for the federation and at the tournament. We also want to thank the public who came to the games. The hotel and training camps were very good, also the stadium in Vaduz. We have been left with a very good impression of the people that helped us a lot."

That emotion was echoed by the respective captains. England's Conor Coady said: "I'd like to thank everyone involved in Liechtenstein; the public and in the hotel. It's been brilliant hospitality and we've been made very welcome." Spain skipper Paco added: "I want to thank the organisers and the people who drove us to the stadiums; they treated us very well."