West Ham United had three young Academy professionals in International action for their respective nations on Tuesday afternoon.
Ajibola Alese, Conor Coventry and Harrison Ashby all received International call-ups in recent weeks following their impressive start to the 20/21 campaign
Central defender Alese was amongst the starters for England U20s as they took on Wales U20s at St Georges Park. The 19-year-old played 75 minutes in a hard-fought 2-0 win under the watchful eye of new Head Coach Lee Carsley.
First half goals for Jacob Ramsey and Xavier Amaechi were enough to seal victory for the U20s, in their first outing in 11 months.
Alese, who was making his first appearance for the Three Lions age-group, will be looking to add further first team experience this year, after his impressive debut against Hull City in the Carabao Cup.
Hammers U23s captain Conor Coventry also started for Ireland U21s in their crucial UEFA Euro U21 Championship Qualifier against Italy U21s.
The midfielder was to be disappointed however, as the hosts ran out 2-0 winners courtesy of goals from Riccardo Sottil and former Wolves striker Patrick Cutrone.
The defeat sees Ireland U21s stay second in Group A, level on points with Italy, who have played a game fewer.
Also in the UEFA Euro U21 qualification hunt on Tuesday afternoon was full-back Harrison Ashby. Following his debut for the Scotland U21s last week, the 18-year-old and his teammates travelled to San Marino in the latest round of Group D fixtures.
Scott Gemmil’s side routed the European minnows 7-0, with Ashby appearing as a substitute for the final 33 minutes of the contest.
It didn't take the defender long to score his first goal for Scotland U21s, rounding off a neat passing-move in the 75th minute for the visitors seventh and final goal of the match.
Tuesday’s victory sees Scotland U21s climb to second in the group, a point behind only Czech Republic U21s who have played a game more, leaving qualification in the Scots' hands with just two games remaining.
