Colchester United are keen to host an England under-21 fixture next year, following the success of last night’s international match.

A bumper crowd of 9,692 packed the Weston Homes Community Stadium to see Brian Eastick’s under-19 side beat Germany 1-0 in a friendly.

And after seeing the ground filled to the rafters, U’s chairman Robbie Cowling wants to see another England game played at the venue in the near future.

He said: “We are expecting to get another chance, maybe next year, of getting an under-21 fixture down here.

“I know the FA are very pleased with the stadium and they have been really complimentary.

“Lord Mawhinney (Football League chairman) came down and was very impressed and Lord Triesman (FA chairman) has also seen the stadium and declared it fit for an international.”

Cowling was delighted to see the Community Stadium almost full to capacity, following its summer opening.

Now he wants to see the venue packed for Colchester games.

And with the U’s in the semi-finals of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, Cowling has earmarked a potential southern area final date later this season as another chance to get the ground rocking.

“I was very proud,” said the U’s chairman. “There was a real buzz about the place and it was good to see so many people coming to the ground.

“It was really nice to see the stadium full and I can’t wait to see the same for Colchester United.

“It’s a realistic possibility and with the good cup run we have had in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, if we can get through to the southern final we will have a home and away leg, with the prospect of a Wembley final.”