Arsenal youngster Josiah King made his debut for the England u17s on Wednesday, but the game was marred by reports of racism.
Josiah King (#2) lines up alongside the England u17s (Photo via EnglandFootball.com)
Photo via EnglandFootball.com
Arsenal 16-year-old Josiah King has stepped up to the England u17s this month, having previously represented the u16s earlier this year.
King had the chance to make his competitive debut in an u17 European Championship qualifier against Venezuela on Wednesday, with head coach Liam Bramley naming him in the starting lineup at right-back.
King played 60 minutes of the match, coming off for Oscar Sandiford on the hour mark.
Yet despite England ultimately winning the match 2-1, it wasn’t exactly a dream debut for the Arsenal youngster.
The England u17s leave the pitch (Photo via YouthHawk on Twitter)
Photo via YouthHawk on Twitter
The game was halted on two separate occasions due to reports of racism, with a lengthy delay in the second half as the referee dealt with the incidents.
“We are aware of disturbing reports of racism towards England players at our MU17 match against Venezuela played in Germany today,” an FA spokesperson said.
“This is being treated with the utmost seriousness and our priority is to support our players and staff.
“We are in ongoing discussions with tournament organisers and the relevant authorities about next steps.”
Arsenal England youth fixtures & results
PRESTON, ENGLAND: Tommy Setford of Arsenal warms up prior to the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Preston North End and Arsenal at Deepdale on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Times in BST
Wednesday, September 3rd
Ukraine 0-2 England u19s – Porter played 90 minutes and kept a clean sheet, Dowman played 20 minutes as a substitute. Both were making their debuts.
Venezuela 1-2 England u17s – King started and played 60 minutes on his debut for the England u17s.
Friday, September 5th
19:30 – England u20s vs Italy (Tommy Setford)
Saturday, September 6th
10:00 – Spain vs England u19s (Jack Porter, Max Dowman)
14:00 – Israel vs England u17s (Josiah King)
Monday, September 8th
16:00 – Kazakhstan vs England u21s (Ethan Nwaneri)
Tuesday, September 9th
10:00 – Germany vs England u17s (Josiah King)
11:30 – Netherlands vs England u19s (Jack Porter, Max Dowman)
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