Mark Smith

Mon 20 June 2022 12:00, UK

It was a strong start to the UEFA Under-19 European Championships for England on Sunday (19 June), with Aston Villa wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka running the show.

The 18-year-old midfielder scored one and assisted another in England’s 2-0 win over Austria in their tournament opener.

Aaron Ramsey, brother of first-team regular Jacob Ramsey, also shone for the Young Lions and was deeply unlucky not to grab a brace.

Tim Iroegbunam also starred next to Chukwuemeka in midfield, with the more defensively minded midfielder keeping Austria at bay for the duration of the match.

Ramsey almost provided the opener for England, hitting the post following some neat link-up play with Chelsea’s Harvey Vale.

Instead, it was his Aston Villa teammate, Chukwuemeka who opened the scoring for Ian Foster’s side just before half-time.

The dynamic midfielder played a quick one-two with Tottenham star Dane Scarlett and firing into the top corner despite being off-balance.

Immediately after the break, Ramsey came agonisingly close again.

Ramsey pickpocketed Leopold Querfeld and played in Scarlett, pouncing on the rebound after the striker hit the post, but his shot was cleared off the line by Ervin Omić.

Chukwuemeka set up Alfie Devine to complete the scoring for England.

Receiving the ball on the edge of the area, he beat his man and played a quick pass back to Devine, who produced a great finish.

Chukwuemeka’s heroics will do little to quell the hype surrounding him, with the midfielder being a long-term target for German giants Borussia Dortmund [Daily Mail].

Earlier in the week, Tyreik Wright played 90 minutes for Ireland Under-21s as they secured a play-off place for the U21 Euros.

Cameron Archer also enjoyed a strong camp with England U21s, scoring five goals despite limited playing time, sending a message to Steven Gerrard ahead of pre-season.

In other Aston Villa news, the Lions receive a response after contact was made with Tammy Abraham’s team for a potential move.