West Ham youngsters Ezra Mayers and Airidas Golambeckis are both representing England during the March international break.
While Jarrod Bowen is the only one in Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad, there are six Hammers across England’s U18s, U19s and U20s.
Mayers and Golambeckis are part of the England U19s setup, attempting to qualify for the European Championship this summer.
While one will be delighted with his contribution, the other will be ruing his costly mistake from the previous game.
Choose between club and country… 🤔
Jarrod Bowen celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Republic of Ireland
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Ezra Mayers and Airidas Golambeckis have contrasting nights for England U19s
Mayers and Golambeckis started alongside each other in the backline for England U19s’ 2-0 defeat to Serbia on Tuesday.
Mayers had a decent game on his international debut, whereas Golambeckis was to blame for Poland’s second goal after giving the ball away in his own half.
Therefore, head coach Will Antwi kept Mayers in the starting line-up against Poland on Saturday and dropped Golambeckis to the bench.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Golambeckis was an unused substitute in England’s second group stage match – a much-needed 1-0 victory.
Airidas Golambeckis of England U19 with the ball during the Men's U19 International match between England and Netherlands
Photo by Mateo Villalba – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Meanwhile, Mayers played 63 minutes and kept a clean sheet before Aston Villa’s George Hemmings replaced him at left-back.
Chelsea youngster Shumaira Mheuka’s 83rd-minute goal has kept England’s hopes of qualification alive.
The Three Lions must now beat Portugal in their final group game on Tuesday and hope that Serbia do not beat Poland.
One would expect Mayers to keep his place in the starting eleven and for Golambeckis to remain on the sidelines.
The latter has learned that international football is ruthless, and those mistakes must be cut out of his game.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox