A hat-trick from the Arsenal youngster Benik Afobe ensured the England U19 side are virtually assured of a place in the second round of qualifying for the European Championship.

The win leaves Noel Blake's side with six points from their two games in Belgium, with top place in the four-team qualifying group up for grabs when they take on the hosts on Wednesday.

England took the lead after four minutes, with the Liverpool midfielder Michael Ngoo powering down the left-wing before pulling the ball back for Afobe.

Ngoo was again the creator for Afobe's second goal, which came on the half-hour mark. Ngoo's cross from the right left Afobe with another simple tap-in.

Cyprus missed a penalty which would have given them a lifeline before the break, with the Norwich keeper Jed Steer turning the ball away from Onisforos Roushias' shot.

The Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey made the score 3-0 five minutes after the restart, with Afobe claiming the matchball with a late effort.

England: Jed Steer, Bruno Pulatos, Aziz Deen Conteh, George Thorne, Luke Williams, Michael Ngoo, Jonjo Shelvey (Ross Barkley, 61), Andre Wisdom, Angus MacDonald, John Bostock (Joshua McEachran 56), Benik Afobe (Connot Wickham, 76). Subs not used: Ezekiel Fryers, Jack Mills, Samuel Johnstone, Harry Kane.