There was a strong contingent of Chelsea players involved for the England Under-19s side this week.
England’s U19s beat Portugal 1-0 on Tuesday courtesy of a match-winning strike from Sunderland’s Chris Rigg. As a result, Will Antwi’s Young Lions side have secured qualification for the U19 Euro finals tournament this summer, which is taking place in Romania.
The Chelsea academy was certainly well represented in the England win. Plus, Blues youngster Harrison Murray-Campbell was an unused substitute.
There are so many future stars that have developed in the club’s youth system over the years. The previous 10 winners of Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year award include the likes of Conor Gallagher, Reece James and Dominic Solanke.
It looks like the production line of talent isn’t stopping either.
Photo by Alex Livesey - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Four Chelsea players feature as England Under-19s beat Portugal
The Chelsea trio of Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George and Shumaira Mheuka all started for England’s U19s against Portugal. Plus, Blues prospect Kiano Dyer came on as a late substitute.
Player Club
Tommy Setford Arsenal
Triston Rowe Aston Villa
Lewis Miley Newcastle United
Josh Acheampong Chelsea
Tyler Dibling Southampton
Chris Rigg Sunderland
Tyrique George Chelsea
Mikey Moore Tottenham
Zach Abbott Nottingham Forest
Shumaira Mheuka Chelsea
Stephen Mfuni Manchester City
England U19s starting line-up vs Portugal
Player Club
Josh King Fulham
Kadan Yong Royal Antwerp, loan from Aston Villa
Kiano Dyer Chelsea
England U19s substitutes used vs Portugal
Even though Chelsea winger George didn’t get on the scoresheet, he was one of the stars of the show with a busy performance for his country. The Cobham academy graduate went close with a couple of chances at goal and was a creative threat, too.
George and Acheampong are Chelsea first-team players after officially receiving promotions from the U21s side to the senior group midway through this season.
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Meanwhile, Mheuka and Dyer have both had first-team minutes this campaign, even though they’re still based with the academy side.
Player Age Position Chelsea first-team appearances this season
Tyrique George 19 Winger 17
Josh Acheampong 18 Defender 8
Shumaira Mheuka 17 Striker 3
Kiano Dyer 18 Midfielder 1
Photo by Alex Livesey - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Tyrique George needs to add key ingredient
In terms of Chelsea’s current rising stars, George is definitely one of the most exciting after making his senior breakthrough this campaign.
The teenager winger, who’s strong off either flank, looks a class above in youth football. His next job is to replicate that on the first-team stage.
During his appearances for Enzo Maresca’s side this season, he’s injected some extra pace, directness and energy. It’s why Chelsea fans are impressed by George and his contributions. He’s created four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions. However, he’s still waiting to score his first senior goal.
If George can find his shooting boots and add that key part to his game, he could grow into an important individual at Stamford Bridge moving forward.