FORMER Malmesbury School student Zoe Wassell will never forget her debut for England, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

Representing her country for the first time, the 17-year-old finished runner-up at the IAAF Cross De Atapuerca meeting in Burgos, Spain.

Only the local Spanish favourite beat her in the U20 women’s race with Wassell, who was a late call-up as first reserve, finished ahead of all her England team-mates.

“I am on such a high,” said Wassell. “I just cannot believe I ran so well, I am so happy.”

Wassell proved that her selection was more than justified as she shot straight into the lead with the Spanish runner and the pair dominated the race.

“One by one the other girls dropped away and I felt so comfortable,” added Wassell.

“When we reached the bell for the final lap I wondered whether I ought to take the lead or stick in and I decided just to follow the Spanish girl. But then she kicked hard half way around the final lap and got away from me.”

Wassell was initially named as first reserve, only to be promoted into the team after one of the original selections withdrew due to injury.

By strange coincidence mum Jane, 50, who was also running for England at the British & Irish Masters Cross Country International in Glasgow the previous day, also finished second in the over 45s race, her third England vest in the event.

“Mum called me on Saturday to have a chat and all the other England girls said the pressure was on me then to run well,” added Wassell.