Among the international stars for Nottingham Forest, Zach Abbott has had a remarkable week training with the England senior squad.
Reds fans were thrilled when Elliot Anderson was selected in the England squad, alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, who is becoming a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s setup.
An even more welcome surprise was to follow, though, when it was revealed that Abbott was invited to train with the England squad while representing the under-20s.
However, as footage has trickled out from St George’s Park, it’s become clear that the Forest academy graduate has done more than just make up the numbers in training.
Zach Abbott in action for England U20s against Italy
Photo by Matt McNulty – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Zach Abbott scores a beautiful goal in England senior training
In an incredible show of trust in the youngster, Abbott started the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, as his opportunities in Nuno Espírito Santo’s side looked to grow.
He’s not had much of a chance this season so far, but he showed his tremendous quality with the England squad by scoring a goal befitting a striker, not a defender.
In a small-sided game, Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon found Abbott free on the right side, where the Forest man drilled home a low strike past Dean Henderson.
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Perhaps the senior squad weren’t expecting the quality on show from Abbott as he found plenty of space, showing another aspect of his game that Reds fans will be tremendously excited about.
Back on his regular duties, Abbott started for the England U20s against Italy on Friday evening, in a game that didn’t quite go to plan.
Zach Abbott’s young England side lose to Italy
Forest are taking extra care with Abbott’s development to ensure that he is eased into senior football in the right way, with the senior England experience only boosting the work that the Reds coaching staff are already doing.
In terms of match experience, though, Abbott is gaining precious reps with the England youth setup, but Friday’s clash with Italy wasn’t ideal.
The young lions lost 2-1 to the Italians in Chesterfield in their first game of the 25/26 campaign, as the young Forest star stepped up from the U19 level.
It doesn’t seem that the U20s have another game scheduled for this international break, so it will be interesting to see whether Abbott returns to Forest or gains more training experience with the senior side.