Keith Nobbs has been continuing his armchair vigil as his daughter Jordan captains England in the Under 17 World Cup in New Zealand.

The former Pools star is an avid viewer of Eurosport as the channel are screening much of the tournament, which is being played out in fantastic arenas in front of crowds of up to 14,000.

And Jordan has played a starring role in the drama as England's youngsters have made it through to a semi-final date with title favourites North Korea.

"She's played really well; the commentators on the television have been saying some good things about her during the game," Keith told us.

"In the quarter-final they drew 2-2 with Japan and then were still level at the end of extra time so it had to go to a penalty shootout.

"Jordan stepped up to take the first one and scored - she felt like she had to get up there and take on with being captain of the team.

"That's what she is like, she is a strong character and you can always hear her shouting during games on the telly - she's a bit gobby like her old man but I have to say her language is better!"

England came through the penalty shoot-out 5-4 in the end to give the girls a real feeling of belief as they head in to their semi-final clash with a powerful North Korea side.

"It was like a story book how they've got through to the semis because the Isabelle Christensen scored the equalising goal from forty yards to take the Japan game to extra time.

"After that I think they feeling is that they can go on and win it because things seem to be going their way - there's a real togetherness in the squad, they all get on so well with each other."

Keith has revealed he is taking no chances about catching the semi-final action live on television after suffering a technological nightmare during the Japan thriller.

"I set the television to record the game and sat down to watch it," he explained.

"And then, just after the equaliser, it cut off and there was no more to watch - there were a few choice words shouted and if I could have caught the dog I would have kicked it!

"I'll be down at The Vic early on Thursday though to watch it there live - so if you hear some cheers or some shouting it will be me in the lounge with the big screen on!"

Jordan, 15, is joined in the England squad by fellow local girls Lucy Bronze and Lucy Stanisforth who both play for Sunderland, and the team have played games across the country in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton.

The semi-final with North Korea will be screened live on Eurosport from around 8am on Thursday morning, with the winners set to meet Germany or USA in the Grand Final on 16^th November.