England U-18 Discussions Thread (2007 born)

I'm glad there appears to be a different approach with the U18s now. Dewsnip and Micche being in charge is an upgrade from Blake. Playing Hungary twice instead of once is an improvement too - previously we would have just played a country once and be done with it. With any luck we can get more fixtures at this level too. U18 level has been overlooked too much in the past, whereas other countries play many fixtures so they look at players.

 

Because of the lack of u18 games we have previously used the u19 thread of any postings.
Not surprised the lively little Ryan Kent of Liverpool has been called up. No Iwobi though. He doesn't look ungainly these days.

 

Has Joshua Harrop been capped by England so far at any age levels ?

Been pretty impressive this season for United u18's and even in the cameos for u19's. Has 7/8 assists this season in the U18 league already in 6/7 games.

 

Nah, Harrop hasn't been capped by England yet. Thought he might get called recognised for his early season form. It's a bit dissapointing there are not that many new faces to test tbh.

 

Harrop is an U19 due to his late year birthday. He's in the same situation (in age group terms) as Wilson. He's unfortunate that he has Baker, Swift etc to compete with who are playing U21 football as well.

 

He'll qualify for this u18 squad, i think.

 

have to be 96 so Harrop not eligible.

 

The elusive George Green (Everton) is in the squad. Even keen Evertonians don't seem to know the score with this lad. Doesn't seem to be "pulling up any trees" but does get injured a lot it seems. I notice he was on the bench last night for the u21s against Chelsea but wasn't brought on - at least two England u17s lads started.

 

Yeah you're right, I overlooked his d.o.b . Had some preconception that he was a 96 for some reason...

 

Reece Brown and Demarai Gray have both made their Birmingham league debuts in the past month at 17. Brown has already been capped at u16 and u17 level. Gray, a left sided Redmond clone, is uncapped thus far.

Lee Clark on Brown after Birmingham's 3-0 defeat to Burnley:

“The plus point of the night for me, super little footballer, great technician, and for someone who is so slight he is still very strong when he has got possession of the ball. I was really pleased with what he did. And it’s tough as well when you go onto a pitch and a team aren’t playing particularly well and in a position where we’re not having a lot of joy. He’s the only player who has probably enhanced his reputation from the night. He came on and showed his ability, showed no nerves and was competitive. In a game like that, part of a losing group, he certainly can take satisfaction from his own performance. Reece has got great self-confidence and we think there’s a bright future ahead of him."

Clark on Gray after his 3 minute cameo in the 4-0 win over Millwall:

“I am disappointed in him actually, he had three minutes and I thought he would have come on and scored, because I have never seen a training session like it on Monday. It was unbelievable, everything he hit flew into the top corner. He’s a super lad, he can play any of those three positions where Burke, Lingard and Shinnie were. So he has got a right chance. How old is he? 17? That’s the eighth Academy player I have given a league debut to now.”

 

Lost track of Bryn Morris, thought he was a cracking little player, hope he pushes on.

 

Kent is a good little player - and similar to Liverpool team mate Harry Wilson.

 

Demarai Gray goal in a Behind Closed doors friendly with United last week.

Birmingham won 3-1. Will Keane scored United's goal.

 

I don't know why the FA don't stream these games from St Georges park and put them on there website, that way we could all get to see them if we wanted to.

 

Yes sometimes it's hard to know who is who......but imho Wilson is better .

some passing sequences were excellent .

 

Did we play them in a behind closed doors match on the 11th as was planned? It would be dissapointing if we only played them once.

The highlights looks impressive though, a nice progressive game from us with clinical end product.

 

Ah ok, thanks for the info. It would have been nice if the FA could provide a match report on the first match atleast though.

 

So he picked football then.

 

Demarai Gray played very well tonight, created Birmingham's equaliser in 93rd minute against Stoke.