Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong continued his impressive rise by scoring for England Under-21s in their 4-2 victory over Kazakhstan at Molineux.
Acheampong started at centre-back for Lee Carsley’s side and found the net in the 32nd minute, putting England 2-1 ahead after Kazakhstan had taken an early lead.
The 20-year-old’s international progress is particularly encouraging for Chelsea after he established himself as a genuine first-team option under Xabi Alonso at the start of the season.
Acheampong has already earned significant praise from Alonso, with the Chelsea boss highlighting the defender’s confidence, versatility and suitability for the modern game.
Josh Acheampong continues Chelsea progress
Friday night’s goal adds another positive moment to a strong period for the Cobham graduate.
Acheampong made 30 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions last season and has remained part of Alonso’s senior squad this term.
He was selected alongside fellow Chelsea player Jamie Gittens in England’s squad for the final three Under-21 European Championship qualifiers.
Chelsea’s international schedule shows England now face Slovakia on Friday 2 October before travelling to the Republic of Ireland four days later.
For Acheampong, the international break has already delivered another reminder of why Alonso has been willing to trust him in Chelsea’s first-team defensive rotation.
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