Sunday afternoon saw England U-19s score another emphatic win against Cyprus to ensure they qualify for next year’s UEFA European Championship Elite Round, and there is ground for optimism for Liverpool fans as well, as three Reds player started the match in Belgium. The 4-0 win saw Jonjo Shelvey captaining the side while both Andre Wisdom and Michael Ngoo also started the match. On the back of last May’s European U-17’S Championship win, the U19’s will be hoping that the 6-1 win against Albania and this convincing display against the Cypriots will bode well for the road ahead that could see the U-17 success replicated at this level.
Andre Wisdom was part of that side in May and has made an effortless transition into the U-19 setup for the start of this European Championship campaign. By far and away the most vocal player in the England team, his voice was heard constantly throughout the match in the quiet surroundings of Mamedy. His communication skills helped him to organise the backline while his technique and grace on the ball kept him out of trouble, although the Cypriot attack gave England little to worry about. The Reds defender, who is also known for his height and power, is a promising talent because of his all round game which allows him to play in a number of positions.
Michael Ngoo is also another promising player for Liverpool who started the match. Generally used as a striker for his height and pace in behind, Under 19s manager Noel Blake opted to play him from the right for England. It was a decision that proved to be very wise as Ngoo proceeded to assist two of Benik Afobe three goals during the encounter. For the first on four minutes, Ngoo, used his power and pace to brush past both Moulazimis and Drakos on the left hand side before pulling the ball back for Afobe to finish from close range. The two combined well again on the half hour mark as this time Ngoo found himself on the right, and he delivered a pin point accurate high cross from the touchline so that Afobe could finish comfortably at the far post. Composed, pacey and a ton of aerial presence, it will be interesting to see how Ngoo progresses in the next two or three years.
Jonjo Shelvey is of course the most high profile of the three names here, and has already been compared to Steven Gerrard despite his young age. Bought from Charlton Athletic for £1.7million, a great deal is expected of him although he still has a way to go before he can mentioned in the same breath as Gerrard. Still, at 18 years of age, he is seen as one of the most promising players of his age group and duly performed for the team against Cyprus as captain. A dynamic player who is known just as much for his forward runs into the box as for his passing range, Shelvey scored a fantastic third goal for the U-19s with a rasping effort from his right foot from twenty yards out. Took the set pieces during the match and offered himself on the ball on various occasions, Shelvey does look like he could become a very good player.
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Im hoping to see Shelvey get some gametime in Europe this year, and when the ship steadies a little, a bit of a run out in the Prem..he’s got bags of talent and looks pretty fearless, and captaining England at any level will give you a massive confidence boost. Hopefully the can all get a crack at first team action and give Livepool and England a bit of something special in the future.