England continued their perfect record against the Republic of Ireland in the latest round of EURO Under-21 qualifiers, with help from a standout Chelsea performer.
International action is coming thick and fast, with a number of Chelsea players on duty this month.
Enzo Maresca will be keeping an eye on all the action, including youth level games like the one England just played out.
A convincing 2-0 win keeps them perfect in their efforts to qualify for the 2027 competition, where one Chelsea youngster is sure to play a starring role — as he just did on Friday night.
Tyrique George playing for England Under-21s
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
Tyrique George’s top performance for the England U-21s
Chelsea had three young stars in action for England, in Josh Acheampong, Jamie Gittens and Tyrique George.
The latter got on the scoresheet in the dying moments with a wonderfully taken strike from the left. His display earned him the second-highest fan rating of any England player, as BBC Sport shared.
Only Lewis Hall put on a better display, with the Chelsea man rated higher than the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Rico Lewis and Jobe Bellingham.
Chelsea have been pleased with George this season, and they might be reconsidering their decision to try offload the 19-year-old in the summer.
Crystal Palace are eyeing George for January, but Maresca may well change his mind after a string of quality performances from the Cobham star.
Blow for Chelsea as Jamie Gittens sent off with an injury
While it was a great night for George, and a clean sheet for Acheampong, it’s not such great news for Gittens.
Jamie Gittens going off injured for England Under-21s
Photo by Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Having just hit a run of form at Stamford Bridge, the 21-year-old could be sidelined after coming off on the hour mark with an injury. He went straight down the tunnel, suggesting nothing good.
With two Player of the Match performances in the last month against Ajax and Wolves, the former Dortmund winger seemed to just be finding his feet. Let’s hope it’s nothing serious.
If Gittens is sidelined for significant time, the in-form George could be given more of an opportunity for minutes.
It’s funny how football works.