BARNT Green’s Becky Straw captained England to team gold at the World School Cross Country Championships in Malta.

The 16-year-old had produced a gutsy individual display and with 800 metres to go she was in third place only to tire and settle for sixth.

However, England finished top of the leaderboard, seeing off 10 other national teams, to ensure a fine tournament.

The competition also saw 26 countries send their best school teams.

Straw, who runs for Birchfield Harriers, built on her success at the English Championships, where a controlled display saw her come third in Somerset a fortnight ago.

Her strong display also helped the West Midlands come second.