Tyrique George, Shumaira Mheuka and Josh Acheampong - captaining the side - were all named in the starting XI for England Under-19s’ crucial last game in the elite qualifying round for the 2025 Euros. Kiano Dyer joined them as a substitute, while Harrison Murray-Campbell remained on the bench, having played his part earlier in the round.

Following a win over hosts Wales and draw with Turkiye, England needed to beat Portugal to be assured of a spot in Romania in June, with only the group winners progressing. An early goal by Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg gave the Young Lions the advantage.

Acheampong, George and Mheuka all went close to extending the lead on more than one occasion, in an open end-to-end game, but it remained 1-0 at the final whistle, meaning England are one of the eight teams heading to the finals in Romania.

Unfortunately Mathis Amougou and France won’t be there with them, as their hopes of qualification came to an end due to a 2-0 loss away in Italy.

Amougou was named in the line-up, knowing only a win combined with the failure of Spain to do the same against Latvia would see them heading to the tournament. Unfortunately two goals on the counter gave Italy the lead, which France were unable to overcome when play resumed following a lengthy delay due to heavy fog.

In the younger age group, Genesis Antwi played the full 90 minutes as Sweden Under-18s came back from two goals down to draw their third and final match of this month’s Pinatar Cup friendly tournament.

Having fallen behind to goals either side of half-time, Sweden turned things around by scoring twice in the space of three minutes to secure a 2-2 draw with Poland. That means they leave Spain undefeated, following a draw with Scotland and victory over Austria in their previous games.

England Under-18s rounded off their own foreign camp in Portugal by defeating their hosts 1-0. Ollie Harrison came off the bench for the last 20 minutes, while goalkeepers Jack Austin and Freddy Bernal were unused substitutes.

The game was decided by an early goal from Crystal Palace’s Jesse Derry, which means the Young Lions also return unbeaten from their time in Porto, following back-to-back draws with Czechia and France.