The international break is fully underway, and England’s U19 side was in action on Wednesday. Chelsea duo Jesse Derry and Shumaira Mheuka both started for Will Antwi’s side.
In fact, there were two England sides in action on Wednesday morning, competing in the U19 European qualifying tournament. England’s U19 side were in the Elite Round, while the U18’s played up a year.
Antwi’s men came into the break facing three Elite Round fixtures, while the U18’s have three to play. The 18’s managed to beat Bulgaria with Chelsea talent Reggie Walsh among the goals, during a 4-1 win.
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However, the U19 side didn’t have as much luck. They faced Serbia on Wednesday morning in Portugal, at Guimaraes’ stadium, the Campo Gemeos Castro. Derry and Mheuka both started and lasted 90 minutes.
Chelsea duo Derry and Mheuka suffer an embarrassing defeat
England went into the game as firm favourites, with the previous result between the two sides resulting in a 4-0 win for the Young Lions back in 2022. Carney Chukwuemeka scored the third of those four goals.
Today, England’s youngsters suffered a 2-0 loss, completely against the odds. An England side that with Derry and Mhueka, also included Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman, and Everton ace Harrison Armstrong.
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England boasted 58% possession on the day and had 18 shots at goal, only managing four shots on target. Serbia, meanwhile, had 13 shots but managed to get nine on target, helping them win 2-0.
Anderlecht striker Mihajlo Cvetkovic scored the opener, having netted five goals in 27 appearances for the Belgian outfit this season. Partizan midfielder Bogdan Kostic got Serbia’s second, in the second 45.
What next for Derry and Mheuka during the break
England’s U19 side now has it all to do during the break, with Poland up next on Saturday morning at the same stadium in Portugal. They then take on Portugal at the Amelia Morais, Braga’s stadium.
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Plenty to do for Antwi’s side, who may have to call on the likes of Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha and Chris Rigg, the Sunderland wonderkid, in the next couple of matches. A frustrating result for the Chelsea duo.
Derry and Mheuka have of course, both featured for Chelsea’s first team this season, playing under boss Liam Rosenior. Derry has played against Wrexham and Hull, while Mheuka was a late sub against Hull.
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