Arsenal youngster Josiah King made his debut for the England u17s on Wednesday, but the game was marred by reports of racism.
Arsenal 16-year-old Josiah King has stepped up to the England u17s this month, having previously represented the u16s earlier this year.
King had the chance to make his debut in a friendly tournament match against Venezuela on Wednesday, with head coach Liam Bramley naming him in the starting lineup at right-back.
King played 60 minutes of the match, coming off for Oscar Sandiford on the hour mark.
Yet despite England ultimately winning the match 2-1, it wasn’t exactly a dream debut for the Arsenal youngster.
The game was halted on two separate occasions due to reports of racism, with a lengthy delay in the second half as the referee dealt with the incidents.
“We are aware of disturbing reports of racism towards England players at our MU17 match against Venezuela played in Germany today,” an FA spokesperson said.
“This is being treated with the utmost seriousness and our priority is to support our players and staff.
“We are in ongoing discussions with tournament organisers and the relevant authorities about next steps.”
Arsenal England youth fixtures & results
Times in BST
Wednesday, September 3rd
- Ukraine 0-2 England u19s – Porter played 90 minutes and kept a clean sheet, Dowman played 20 minutes as a substitute. Both were making their debuts.
- Venezuela 1-2 England u17s – King started and played 60 minutes on his debut for the England u17s.
Friday, September 5th
- 19:30 – England u20s vs Italy (Tommy Setford)
Saturday, September 6th
- 10:00 – Spain vs England u19s (Jack Porter, Max Dowman)
- 14:00 – Israel vs England u17s (Josiah King)
Monday, September 8th
- 16:00 – Kazakhstan vs England u21s (Ethan Nwaneri)
Tuesday, September 9th
- 10:00 – Germany vs England u17s (Josiah King)
- 11:30 – Netherlands vs England u19s (Jack Porter, Max Dowman)