West Ham United U18s duo Lanre Awesu and Chinaza Nwosu led England U17s to a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in Portugal, as the Young Lions continue preparations for the UEFA European U17 Championship Elite Qualifying Round.
Making his second start for England U17s, goalkeeper Awesu saved an early penalty, diving low to his right to deny the Netherlands an opener. His composure and distribution from the back also stood out as England looked to build up play from deep.
In midfield, Nwosu dictated the tempo, showing great composure to play through the Dutch press. The 16-year-old capped his performance with an excellent equaliser, driving a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box to make it 2-2.
England had taken an early lead through Brighton & Hove Albion’s Harry Howell’s deflected cross, but the Netherlands struck either side of half-time to edge in front. Nwosu’s goal quickly restored parity before Leicester City’s Louis Page secured the win, reacting first to a parried save to turn the ball home.
Awesu and Nwosu will return to action when Neil Ryan’s Young Lions face the Netherlands again on Sunday at the Vila Real de Santo António sports complex.
