West Ham United Academy’s Chinaza Nwosu and Josh Ajala both saw action in today’s England youth internationals.
First-year scholar Nwosu made his third appearance of the international break for England U17s in a 3-1 victory over Germany.
Ajala, also making his third appearance of the break, featured for England U19s in their match against Germany, but Will Antwi's side fell to a 3-2 defeat in Croatia.
Having previously defeated Mexico and drawn with Israel, England U17s were eager to conclude their Four Nations Tournament campaign in Duisburg on a high. An end-to-end game with both sides looking to impose their high-press possession-based styles of play, it was England who came from behind to take the victory.
Quickfire goals shortly after the restart from Manchester City’s Kaden Braithwaite and Fulham’s Seth Ridgeon turned the game on its head, before Manchester City’s Reigan Heskey added a third 15 minutes from time.
During his time on the pitch, Nwosu was a commanding presence, shielding the defence as a deep-lying midfielder, consistently demanding the ball and distributing it confidently under pressure.
Unfortunately, his solid performance was cut short just before the hour mark due to injury, sustained while winning possession in a strong challenge.
Lanre Awesu, Andre Dike and Nwosu will now return from the England U17 camp and shift focus back to club duties, as West Ham United U18s prepare to face Leicester City in the U18 Premier League South this weekend.
For England U19s, Ajala made his third appearance of the international break in a 3-2 defeat to Germany.
Germany took an early lead after a defensive mix-up between Arsenal goalkeeper Tommy Setford and Chelsea’s Harrison Murray, allowing Max Moerstedt to tap in.
England equalised just before the hour mark through a well-worked move, with Southampton’s Samuel Amo-Ameyaw finding Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, who finished smartly.
Ajala was introduced shortly after, replacing Manchester United’s Ethan Wheatley, becoming England’s focal point in attack. He came close to scoring when Chelsea’s Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny spotted his run, but a slip at the crucial moment denied him the chance to convert.
Germany then regained control through two volleyed efforts from Saïd El Mala and although Southampton’s Tyler Dibling gave England hope with a brilliant solo run and finish into the far corner in the 85th minute, they were unable to find a late equaliser.
Ajala and Finlay Herrick will now rejoin West Ham United U21s ahead of their second EFL Trophy fixture, an away trip to Newport County next Tuesday.
