Chelsea Striker Shines as England’s Hero in Euro Qualifier
Shumaira Mheuka struck a late winner to give England Under-19s a 1-0 victory over ten-man Poland. The goal came four minutes from time and may prove decisive for qualification hopes.
Group situation after the win
England must top their elite round group to reach the finals in Wales this summer. Will Antwi’s side lost 2-0 to Serbia earlier in the week. The victory over Poland moves England level on points with group leaders Serbia and Portugal.
England now face the hosts in their final elite round match on Tuesday. A positive result there will determine who finishes top of the section.
How the Poland match unfolded
Jesse Derry and Shumaira Mheuka led the Young Lions’ attack. Poland went down to ten men after Kamil Nowogonski was sent off in the 11th minute for a challenge on Derry.
Derry and Mheuka had shots saved in the first half. Despite the numerical advantage, the teams were level at the interval. Poland defended resolutely and the breakthrough arrived late when Mheuka scored in the 86th minute.
Under-18s and first qualifying round updates
Qualification for the revamped 2027 Under-19 Euros has already begun. England’s Under-18s must progress through three qualifying rounds.
Ben Futcher’s side beat Bulgaria 4-1 earlier in the week. They then lost 3-1 to Spain, leaving them second in their mini-group heading into the final fixture on Tuesday.
- Landon Emenalo started for England.
- Reggie Walsh also made the starting XI.
- Chizaram Ezenwata began the match and converted a penalty.
- Freddy Bernal was named among the substitutes.
Key moments in the Spain game
Spain opened the scoring inside eight minutes through Miguel Angel Castillo. Miguel Llorente doubled the lead shortly before half-time.
In stoppage moments of the first half, Ezenwata scored from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 at the break. Ten minutes into the second half, Emenalo was replaced by Harrison Miles.
Reggie Walsh came on in the 80th minute. Less than a minute after that substitution, Alexis Ciria restored Spain’s two-goal cushion.
Under-17s at St George’s Park
At St George’s Park, Chelsea pair Calvin Diakite and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen started for the England Under-17s. The Young Lions fell 3-1 to Israel in their second match of the second qualifying round.
England cannot progress from the section due to earlier results in the first round. They will still play Estonia in their final fixture on Tuesday.
Match highlights versus Israel
Israel led at the interval after Erez Didi scored. Ryan Kavuma-McQueen levelled soon after the restart with a low finish past the goalkeeper.
Ido Yossef and Idan Dadia then scored to put Israel back ahead. Kavuma-McQueen remained a constant threat despite the defeat.
Chelsea were well represented across the youth squads. Several club forwards and attackers played key roles in these international fixtures.
