This seems to be a running theme when it comes to selections in our youth set up, seem to prioritise equal playing time amongst the squad rather than focus on always starting the best eleven even when it’s a must win game, sorry should say must win in the context of the game but it’s only youth football so results aren’t the sole focus.
I thought Watson was the player that really caught the eye for England. Has a kind of authority. Hit a number of quarter back passes to feet on the right wing. Portugal played their usual contain and counter style and we struggled to really unlock their defence. We didn't get down the sides and cross enough. The pitch didn't help the game situation for us either.
England starting XI: Charlie Phillips, Theodore Carrington, Chase Kapotwe, Emmanuel Fejokwu, David Eze, Hezekiah-Daniel Grimwade - Cap., Erinayo Trey Faromo-Adebayo, Jude Longman, Joshua Blake, Tyler Adjei e Joshua Kenchington. Subs: Alfie Smith, Mikel Jack, Lucca Benetton, Reggie Watson, Josh Henry, Joshua Abe, Kayden Dadi-Sessegnon, Aristide Lesecond Yeutembip, George Jobling, Jacob Dako, Darren Motsi, Joseph Junior Gabriel e Heaven Kilwa. Coach: Ben Futcher
Curtis joined United not too long ago. I wouldn't be suprised if he became the 18s coach after Adam Lawrence's departure.
Last game is a playoff vs France for 3rd. Jack, Jobling, Yeutembip, Henry, Kilwa, Watson, Dako, Gabriel, Abe, Motsi, Sessegnon. Was 1-1 at last update, another Watson penalty.
I notice that CR7jr is getting some heat for his performances in this tournament. I have to agree that he doesn't really look up to the level.
Regardless of whether he's at the level or not, it's very weird that a couple of big accounts were calling him out at 14 and sharing comps of him struggling.
I'm wondering if that might be the main reason why Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick haven't been selected so far, trying to protect them from all that internet negativity/hate culture for now?
Yeah, what a time to be alive with all this hate going around especially targeted at young kids just disgusts me to be honest. You can’t protect them forever from the cesspits but hopefully they are protected to an age they can best deal with it.
Saw one from RisingStarXI saying coaches clearly never watched him before his call up and it was shameful he was included
Quite surprised it came from this account as usually pretty good in this regard from what I’ve seen but here it is: I don't want to spread hate. But this is one of the biggest cases of nepotism I've seen in recent times.He’s nowhere near the level of the other youngsters in the squad.The 🇵🇹 U15 coach clearly didn't watch him play before he was called up.Shameful pic.twitter.com/johzbczLzQ— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) May 17, 2025
JJ Gabriel has been tipped by Manchester United insiders to become their youngest ever player. (The Sun)
Some of these accounts on X are pretty terrible, I noticed that particular one didn't post anything after he scored 2 in the final.
To be fair he did unless you’re thinking of another account: 🇵🇹🚨 | 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐨 𝐉𝐑 (𝟏𝟒) with a 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄 ⚽️⚽️ vs Croatia U15 in the Vlatko Markovic Final pic.twitter.com/FmSOfNPPtr— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) May 18, 2025 🇵🇹🚨 | 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐨 𝐉𝐑 (𝟏𝟒) with his 1st 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋 for the Portuguese U15 National TeamHe broke the deadlock in the Vlatko Markovic Final. pic.twitter.com/JkXlsbXVDB— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) May 18, 2025
Yeah he hasn’t revisited what he said from what I’ve seen, he probably needs to eat a good piece of humble pie……