Liverpool teenager Josh Abe marked his comeback from injury in style as he scored within minutes of coming on to make his England Under-17s debut on Tuesday, while in-form striker Will Wright also made his first England appearance for the Under-19s
Josh Abe of Liverpool in action during the U18 PL match at Finch Farm
(Image: Nick Taylor, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool starlet Josh Abe announced his return from injury in emphatic fashion, netting within minutes of stepping off the bench to mark his England Under-17s debut on Tuesday.
The 16-year-old was an unexpected addition to former Liverpool U21s boss Barry Lewtas' squad, having been out of action since August following a dislocated shoulder. Abe, who featured for Andoni Iraola's senior side in pre-season friendlies against Sunderland and Wrexham during the Reds' summer tour of the United States, subsequently went under the knife to address the problem.
Having recovered his fitness, he was handed his England U17s bow by Lewtas as his team swept Montenegro aside 6-1.
Introduced in the 62nd minute, Abe netted the young Lions' fifth goal just two minutes later with a smart chipped finish.
The youngster had managed just one outing for Liverpool U18s this season prior to his injury setback.
He will now be targeting further involvement against Poland when England U17s resume action on Saturday, before the international break wraps up against Ukraine the following Tuesday.
Abe, who pledged his long-term future to the Reds back in June, could then make his club return when the U18s travel to Stoke City on Saturday, 21st November.
A potential UEFA Youth League debut may also beckon against Club Brugge on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Abe wasn't the sole Liverpool youngster representing his country on Tuesday, as prolific striker Will Wright earned his England U19s debut.
Josh Abe #40 Liverpool battles Romaine Mundle #14 of Sunderland during the second half of the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at GEODIS Park
Josh Abe #40 Liverpool battles Romaine Mundle #14 of Sunderland during the second half of the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at GEODIS Park(Image: 2026 Bill Barrett/ISI Photos)
The forward, who has netted 13 times in just 12 outings for the Reds at youth level this campaign, came on as a second-half replacement as the young Lions secured a 4-1 triumph against Slovenia. The cameo marked Wright's first international appearance for England at any age group.
In other news, Ifeanyi Ndukwe received his marching orders after 55 minutes for Austria U19s as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Belarus.
Meanwhile, Prince Cisse played the entire match for Wales U19s as they shared the points in a 2-2 stalemate with Finland, while Erik Farkas was introduced for the closing 30 minutes as England U18s edged past the Netherlands 3-2 in a friendly fixture in Spain.