Eddie Nketiah was the star of the show as England u21s came from behind to beat Turkey on Friday, with Reiss Nelson also scoring.
After Joe Willock had to pull out of England u21 duty with a minor knock, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are Arsenal’s representatives at u21 level over the break.
The pair both made the starting lineup against Turkey, and it didn’t take long for Nketiah to translate his strong club form into an early goal for the team. He capitalised on a defensive mistake to make it 1-0 within four minutes:
Eddie Nketiah’s opening goal for England u21s tonight against Turkey #AFC pic.twitter.com/IjXAaV3MkO
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) September 6, 2019
Turkey then came back into the game, scoring an equaliser halfway through the opening 45 before taking the lead early in the second period.
Nketiah was on hand to bring England level again, collecting a through ball from Manchester City’s Phil Foden to finish confidently.
Eddie Nketiah’s second goal for the England u21s against Turkey tonight #AFCpic.twitter.com/gJGQWlxTKk
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) September 6, 2019
Nketiah and Foden were by far England’s best players on the night, so it was fitting that the two of them were involved in both of the opening goals.
Nelson hadn’t performed so well up to that point, seemingly lacking a bit of confidence in one-on-one situations. As a result, it was great to see him go on to score the winner, even with the aid of a deflection. The goal should hopefully get him going again.
Reiss Nelson’s goal to make it 3-2 to the England u21s against Turkey #AFCpic.twitter.com/XhbH3WmJAv
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) September 6, 2019
It was a good day for Arsenal youth prospects on international duty all around. Robbie Burton played 90 minutes for the Wales u21s as they beat Belgium 1-0, and Zane Monlouis played 90 minutes at centre-back for the England u17s as they won 5-0 against Finland.
Miguel Azeez didn’t feature for the England u18s against Australia, but he’ll have two more opportunities over the break, as they have a busy schedule.