The Young Lions started the tournament in Slovakia by facing Austria and Vale was named as his country’s captain, beginning the match on the left wing, with fellow Blues Teddy Sharman-Lowe and Bashir Humphreys named among the substitutes.

England looked in control of the game early on but Austria did a good job of frustrating their opponents for much of the first half while posing a threat on the counter, although the Young Lions found the breakthrough they needed shortly before the break. Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka was the man to get the important first goal, providing the finish after exchanging passes with Tottenham’s Dane Scarlett.

It could and perhaps should have been more as England attempted to press their advantage after the break, though. Scarlett was through on goal but could only hit the post following a defensive mistake and then another Villa midfielder, Aaron Ramsey, had his effort headed off the line by Austria’s Ervin Omic, before Vale was booked for a foul on the same man, all in the space of less than a minute.

The Young Lions did extend their lead on 65 minutes, though, as Alfie Devine fired into the top corner, and despite Austria hitting the woodwork themselves soon afterwards, it remained 2-0. That puts England top of Group B following a draw between Serbia and Israel in the other match. They are next in action against Serbia at 7pm (UK time) on Wednesday.

Across the Atlantic, the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship in North America is also under way, with Badley-Morgan making his first competitive appearance for Jamaica at any level as they started their campaign with a dramatic draw against Costa Rica.

It began well for the centre-back as Jamaica held their opponents in a first half of few chances, but they fell behind to an excellent Dorian Rodriguez header just before the hour mark.

It seemed like it just wouldn’t be Jamaica’s day when they had a penalty saved by the Costa Rica goalkeeper, but they were given a second chance from the spot deep into added time and on this occasion substitute striker Jahmari Clarke beat the goalkeeper to equalise in the 98th minute, with just seconds left before the referee blew an end to a respectable 1-1 opening draw for the Reggae Boyz. They now take on the hosts Honduras on Tuesday.