The Vets representing The Three Lions returned to England on Monday heroes after their 1-0 victory over Australia on Saturday stood after torrential rain abandoned the contest in the second half.

It brings to an end a quite superb tournament for the Vets who returned to the Far East for another crack after 2008’s competition.

Bell praised his players and hard working staff in the aftermath of their success.

“We learnt a lot last year, especially in regard to the age restriction rules and of course how to play in the heat,” he said.

“I was fortunate to be able to call on a wealth of experience. Daz Ekin and Charlie Brown assisted in the daily management , Mark Smitheringale ran training sessions and John Deacey was superb with his coaching, in particular our set pieces, which were eventually to prove so crucial.

“In the dugout I was lucky to be aided by Andy Newell and physio Richie Scarth.”

Before the tournament Bell had to cope with the last minute setbacks of losing the squad’s most experienced players - Peter Reid, because of Thai FA commitments and former Brighton player Adrian Owers due to injury.

The Vets kicked-off the tournament with a 1-0 win over defending champions and hosts Thailand thanks to an Ian Simpson goal.

They followed this with an identical scoreline against New Zealand in their second game, former Hartlepool and Darlington player Andy Toman scoring the goal in the 90th minute.

In their final group game, they beat the USA 2-1, Lee Henry netting both goals.

This set-up Friday’s semi-final against a strong Iran outfit and despite the condition of the pitch which was starting to struggle with the province’s rainy season.

Godwin Douglas was a thorn in the Iranians’ side during the first half, and the Vets took the lead in the 31st minute when Simpson scored after a Toman free kick.

In the second half, Iran netted an equaliser to set up a tense finale, and at the end of the final whistle and to the surprise of Harrogate the game went straight to penalties.

Despite England’s poor record of pens in big tournaments The Vets stood tall with Mark Smitheringale, Toman and Pete Collier scoring their kicks.

Iran levelled to make it 3-3.