Ben Cottrell made his debut for the England u18s on Tuesday, and Tyreece John-Jules and Vontae Daley-Campbell also featured in a 2-2 draw with Slovakia.

England are playing in the Slovakia Cup this week, and they won their first match against Russia 1-0 on Monday. Since their next game was just a day later, u18 head coach Neil Dewsnip made a number of changes against Slovakia, including giving Cottrell his England debut with a start.

After an exciting first hour, including one fantastic long-range goal from Slovakia, Cottrell left the field at 2-2. John-Jules and Daley-Campbell came on for cameo appearances, but they couldn’t find the winner.

England now go into their final Group A game level on points and goal difference with Slovakia, meaning they need to better Slovakia’s result to finish above them in first place. England play Mexico on Thursday, whilst Slovakia face Russia. The winner of Group A will then take on the winner of Group B, which looks like being Spain.

It’s good to see Cottrell getting a chance with the national team after a strong club season, particularly in crucial matches towards the end. Cottrell scored six goals and assisted four from midfield, and the highlight was his dramatic last-gasp winner against Spurs to effectively secure the u18 Premier League South title.

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