West Ham United defender Ollie Scarles completed the full 90 minutes as England’s Elite League Squad - formerly known as the U20s - earned a 1-1 draw away at Portugal in the Euro Elite League.
The 19-year-old, who has broken into the Hammers’ first team this season and so far featured ten times in the Premier League, was appearing on the international stage for the first time since March 2023, and for the first time at U20 level.
Parachuted straight into the starting XI by Young Lions boss Ben Futcher, Scarles was celebrating with his teammates when Tottenham Hotspur forward Dane Scarlett made it 1-0 to England with just seven minutes gone in Leiria.
Portugal captain Diogo Monteiro notched a decisive equaliser shortly after the half-hour mark, and though the visitors were forced to settle for a point, they remain unbeaten in the Euro Elite League throughout 2024/25.
Indeed, Futcher’s troops have now won four and drawn three of their seven Euro Elite League games this term to top the standings, though second-placed Germany are behind only on goal difference with a game in hand.
Scarles’ West Ham colleague Kaelan Casey was an unused substitute for the Portugal clash, while George Earthy - who is currently on loan at Bristol City in the EFL Championship - withdrew from the squad on Tuesday.
England’s Elite League Squad are set to return to action at 7pm GMT on Monday 24 March, when Scarles and Casey will be looking for gametime during a friendly fixture against Switzerland at the Marbella Football Centre in Spain.
