Lewis Miley of England and Alfie Tuck of Wales battle for possession
Just a few days ago Lewis Miley was on the Wembley turf collecting a winners' medal in what must rank as one of the best days of his life. However, on Wednesday evening the midfielder had put his Newcastle United success to one side in order to impress while on England duty.
Miley's physical advantages were on show as the youngster helped his country's Under-19 side to a 2-0 win over Wales' youngsters in the opening match of the elite round of qualifying for this summer's UEFA European Under-19 Championship. The Newcastle ace played on the left-side of the Young Lions' midfield three, proving to be a duel-winning machine in the centre of the park.
Miley missed some early chances in the first-half but two second-half strikes from co-stars earned all three points. The Toon youngster played the entire 90 minutes and was unlucky not to find the net as he celebrated a fine week in his career.
Miley was in esteemed company, playing alongside exciting Manchester United youngster - and goalscorer - Ethan Wheatley, Southampton's hottest prospect Tyler Dibling and Tottenham starlet Mikey Moore. With England staff watching on in the away tie, Miley will have done himself plenty of favours when it comes to edging closer to contention for Lee Carsley's Under-21 outfit.
While the 18-year-old is flourishing at international level, it has been a stop-start season compared to the upward trajectory of last term. Miley was an unused substitute at Wembley over the weekend but picked up a medal following his side's Carabao Cup triumph after playing one minute apiece in the wins over Chelsea and Arsenal en route to the final.
Eddie Howe is being patient with the teen after recent injury setbacks, likely caused by such regular football at such a young age last term. Miley had been used in the club's FA Cup campaign but looks destined to be eased back into Premier League football between now and the end of the campaign.
Elsewhere on international duty, fellow England youngster Leo Shahar, who turned 18 this week, will be hoping to feature for England's Under-18 side against the Czech Republic and France in the coming days. Meanwhile, Dan Burn, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento have been called up to the senior squad.
Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton are with Brazil for clashes against Argentina and Colombia, while Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak are also missing the club's trip to Dubai and Carabao Cup celebrations due to representing Italy and Sweden respectively.
Each of the aforementioned stars, and Miley, missed the full post-match festivities on Sunday evening due to their international exploits as United's key men celebrated their Wembley heroics.