Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri were both called up to the starting lineup for Wednesday’s game against Italy, with Lewis-Skelly even taking on the captain’s armband for the game.
Both of them were making their debuts at this level, and when Heaven was introduced in the 76th minute as a substitute, he was making his debut as well.
Ayden Heaven playing for the England youth teams (Photo via Heaven on Instagram)
Italy started the stronger of the two sides, with Seydou Fini and Diego Sia helping them to race into a 2-0 lead. But Nwaneri got England back into the game just before half-time.
Nwaneri did well to release Romelle Donovan down the right, and Donovan returned the favour with a cutback for the Arsenal man to score and make it 2-1.
Nwaneri had scored in six of his last seven appearances for England, all for the u17s, and he’s keeping that run going in the u19 side.
The 17-year-old had a chance to make it 2-2 early in the second half from the penalty spot, but his spot-kick was saved. Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri were both withdrawn in the 76 minute, right as Heaven was introduced.
Tommy Setford playing for the England youth teams (Photo via Setford on Instagram)
Fortunately, substitute Leo Black found that equalising goal for England with a few minutes to spare, and the game finished level.
Setford was the only one of the four Arsenal players not to feature in the match, but he could still get chances in the upcoming matches, with England playing Croatia on Saturday, September 7th, and Germany on Tuesday, September 10th.
