As with each new term, all eyes were on how the latest selection would do as many made the step up from last seasons successful U17 side and they weren’t disappointed as the young Lions comfortably dispatched their opposition with goals in each half from Liverpool duo Michael Ngoo and Jonjo Shelvey.

Noel Blake’s team dominated the game from start to finish in the international friendly and a goal in the 16th minute after Ross Barkley set up Ngoo score on his debut was no less than they deserved.

They continued to create chances but had to wait until the 72nd minute before doubling their advantage, former Charlton Athletic starlet Shelvey stepping up to curl home a free kick from 25 yards to seal the win.

This was their only opportunity to train together ahead of the European Championship qualifiers next month as they look to progress from a group containing Cyprus, Albania and Belgium and Blake declared himself delighted with the performance after the game.

“The victory is one thing, and that’s always a good start for a new year group. But I was absolutely delighted with the performance from start to finish.

I thought we controlled the tempo of the game and scored two very good goals but I was most pleased with our passing and our game management in particular.

That’s something we’ve spoken about a lot and it really pleased me, so it’s good food for thought from the first game.”

Arsenal’s Benik Afobe amd Nico Yennaris also made their debuts for the U19s, appearing as second half substitutes, and will hope they have done enough to assure themselves of a place in next month’s squad.

He has included three of Arsenal’s Academy Premier League-winning team from last season, including captain Nico Yennaris who only turned 17 this summer. Alongside him is prolific forward Benik Afobe and midfield powerhouse Emmanuel Frimpong fresh from impressing in the Emirates Cup.

Other exciting names include Chelsea’s creative midfielder Josh McEachran who has been tipped as one to watch by many this year, whilst Liverpool’s summer signing Jonjo Shelvey is one of the most experienced players in the squad, having broken on to the scene with Charlton Athletic at just 16.

Squad in full:

Benik Afobe (Arsenal)
Ross Barkley (Everton)
Aziz Deen Conteh (Chelsea)
Emmanuel Frimpong (Arsenal)
Ezekiel Fryers (Manchester United)
Shaun Jeffers (Coventry City)
Will Keane (Manchester United)
Josh McEachran (Chelsea)
Jack Mills (Reading)
Michael Ngoo (Liverpool)
Lee Nicholls (Wigan Athletic)
Bruno Pilatos (Middlesbrough)
Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool)
Jed Steer (Norwich City)
Luke Williams (Middlesbrough)
Andre Wisdom (Liverpool)
Nicholas Yennaris (Arsenal)

The call up will come as no surprise for Arsenal fans having seen the striker improve enormously over the last year, scoring crucial goals in the Gunners’ successful Youth Cup campaign before taking part against Rangers in the Emirates Cup in pre-season, illustrating just how far he has progressed in Wenger’s estimation. He’s fresh from scoring an impressive brace against Birmingham City reserves on Tuesday and will look to continue his impressive early form.

He’s not the only name of interest in the latest squad named by Blake though, with Spurs duo Andros Townsend and John Bostock, Villa’s Nathan Delfouneso and Newcastle’s Nile Ranger being included in a very promising attack for the England team. Townsend caught my attention in Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat in the Youth Cup quarter final last season where he shined despite his side being overrun by the eventual winners, while team mate Bostock is a far better known player but one who has lost his way since moving from Crystal Palace in what looks to be an ill advised and controversial move. The talent is still obvious and he has still got plenty of time to find his feet once more though.

Villa’s Nathan Delfouneso recieved the Golden Boot award in the recent U19 European Championships and is always a goalscoring threat and Newcastle’s Nile Range has proven himself to be another player capable of finding the net with ease.

Full Squad:

• Nathan Baker (Aston Villa)

• John Bostock (Tottenham Hotspur)
• Reece Brown (Manchester Utd)
• Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
• Jordan Clarke (Coventry City)
• Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace)
• Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa)
• Ryan Donaldson (Newcastle Utd)
• Wesley Foderingham (Fulham)
• Scott Malone (Wolves)
• Matthew James (Manchester Utd)
• Dean Parrett (Tottenham Hotspur)
• Nile Ranger (Newcastle Utd)
• Declan Rudd (Norwich City)
• Cameron Stewart (Manchester Utd)
• Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur)
• James Wallace (Everton)
• Sanchez Watt (Arsenal)
  

For much of the game France were the better team, but indiscipline proved to be their downfall as they finished the game with just 8 men. They did take the lead however, with the ever dangerous Yacine Brahimi crossing for Gueye to finish in the eighth minute, following an impressive start by Les Bleus.

England gradually got a foothold in the game after that though, with Briggs missing a volleyed chance before the breakthrough came. Arsenal starlet Henri Lansbury was once again the inspiration as a free kick rebounded to him and the central midfielder made no mistake from just outside the box, drilling home through the crowded area to equalise, taking his tally to three goals in three games at the tournament.

France could and perhaps should have retaken the lead just after half time when Gueye had a chance to double his tally but sliced his shot and from that point onwards it was England who had the best chances and with a save from Drinkwater’s shot and denying Lansbury on two more occasions France had Remi Pillot to thank for not conceding as the game moved towards extra time. Even with Corchia being dismissed after a tackle on Nile Ranger the French managed to hold on to force the extra half an hour.

They lasted just two minutes into the extra period though as England’s superior numbers told, Aston Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso finishing after yet another Pillot save and the highly rated 18 year old then struck again to put the result beyond doubt. There was still time though for France to lose another two players as El Kaoutari recieved his second yellow card before Boudebouz followed him after being given his marching orders for dissent.

England can now look forward to the Final against the hosts Ukraine on Sunday in Donetsk as they look to become European Champions of their age group.