Young Lions Watch: Aston Villa starlets lift England to U19 EUROs glory
Aston Villa watched their Young Lions emerge victorious from their Under-19 European Championships final, sealing an extra-time win over Israel on Friday (01 July).
Carney Chukwuemeka yet again helped fire England to victory, bundling in a cross from Harvey Vale in the second half of extra-time.
Aaron Ramsey, who was introduced off the bench on the hour mark, capitalised on a rebounded shot four minutes before full-time to fire into an open net.
Tim Iroegbunam also came off the bench during normal time and provided solid cover for England’s back line.
The win capped off a brilliant summer for Villa’s young stars before the Under-18s head out to Prague for the CEE Cup later this month.
A deserved medal
England’s victory was dominated by Villa’s young stars, with Ian Foster owing much to the five goal contributions from Chukwuemeka across the tournament.
Ramsey’s winning goal in the final was also justice for the several goals he was denied in the group stage.
Villa being so integral to the victory is a testament to the investment in Villa’s academy in recent years.
Academy manager Mark Harrison has worked wonders since arriving from West Brom in 2019, recruiting some of the brightest young stars around and making the academy shine again.
Bringing in Iroegbunam and Josh Feeney from other clubs and them being in contention for the Villa team inside a year shows just how well they have recruited.
Harrison’s first step was winning the FA Youth Cup in 2021, putting the likes of Kaine Kesler-Hayden in the shop window for senior moves.
The win paid dividends, with Kesler being joined out on loan by Louie Barry, Brad Young, Arjan Raikhy and others last season.
Now, many of Aston Villa’s brightest stars are ready for senior football and being so integral to this win shows how far they have come.
In other Aston Villa news, former prospect Finley Thorndike has joined Birmingham City.