Chukwuemeka impressive as junior Lions emerge U19 Euro champs
Nigeria born England junior international Carney Chukwuemeka was impressive as England U-19 came from behind to beat Israel 3-1 in the U19 Euros championship.
On a tense Friday night in Trnava, the first team to represent Israel in any UEFA club competition final found their rhythm and dominated the first half of the contest.
Roy Revivo fired a shot over the crossbar and Tai Abed saw Alex Scott head his close-range strike behind as Israel’s intricate passing repeatedly created chances inside the England penalty area.
Oscar Gloch punished the Young Lions, spinning expertly inside the penalty area and lifting a clinical finish beyond Matthew Cox to deservedly put Israel ahead after 40 minutes.
Tottenham forward Dane Scarlett had England’s only shot on target of the half, turning smartly before seeing his effort saved by Tomer Tzarfati after the goalkeeper had spilled a routine cross from the left.
Foster’s youngsters seemed set to miss out with a whimper on the evidence of the first half, but they were transformed after the break
England had to win it the hard way, having also fallen a goal behind to Italy in the semi-finals
Manchester City defender Callum Doyle showed a cool head to slot in from close range seven minutes after the restart, and Carney Chukwuemeka sent a shot against a post in the first of two attempts by the Aston Villa midfielder in quick succession as the 2017 champions had by far the better of the chances.
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Chukwuemeka converted one of them in extra time, nudging an inviting cross from Chelsea’s Harvey Vale across the line after the delivery deceived Tzarfati in the 108th minute.
Former Villa Academy Player of the Season Chukwuemeka made his first Premier League start against Brentford in August 2021.
The 18-year-old told England’s official channels: ‘You dream of times like this and for it to actually happen is just a dream come true just to celebrate with the boys and enjoy it while it lasts.’