Tyreece John-Jules scored the England u18s’ only goal in a 1-0 win over Russia on Monday, as two other Arsenal youngsters featured in the first game of the Slovakia Cup.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Tyreece John-Jules of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Qarabag FK at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Tyreece John-Jules of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Qarabag FK at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2018, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

England kicked off their participation in the Slovakia Cup with a game against Russia on Monday, before they play Slovakia on Tuesday and Mexico on Thursday to complete the group stage.

Whilst the media is full of stories about his future, John-Jules is getting his head down and focusing on football, and he showed that with a goal in the 25th minute to give his team the lead in their opening fixture.

After that, it was just about defending the advantage, which Gunners’ goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and right-back Vontae Daley-Campbell both played their part in doing. It was Okonkwo’s third clean sheet in four matches for the England u18s, whilst John-Jules now has eight goals and two assists in eight games with the side.

The duo will both be pushing for promotion to the next level at Arsenal next season. In John-Jules’ case, that means a first-team debut, whilst Okonkwo will just be looking to make himself a regular at u23 level. Okonkwo made four appearances for the top youth side this campaign, keeping three clean sheets.

Daley-Campbell, meanwhile, looks set to leave as his scholarship deal runs out.