Michael Mills scores as four Newcastle youngsters help England win five-goal thriller
Michael Mills scored England Under-18s’ opener last night as four Newcastle youngsters featured in a 3-2 win over Colombia.
Mills, Kyran Thompson and Roman Dowell all started the UEFA Friendship Cup opener in Switzerland, with Sam Alabi coming off the bench.
As detailed in the FA’s match report, the breakthrough had a Newcastle connection twice over. Thompson’s effort fell to Mills, who finished from close range after 12 minutes.
Dowell helps England hold on
Jashayde Greenwood’s double put England 3-1 ahead after Colombia had equalised, before Alabi replaced captain Tyrese Noubissie in the 64th minute.
Colombia pulled another goal back, but Dowell denied Edward Echeverria with a diving save in the 88th minute to protect England’s lead.
It continues an encouraging spell for several of our youngsters. As we covered in this week’s Under-21 preview, Mills and Thompson were both on the first-team bench against Hull on Saturday. Thompson had also marked his first U21 start with a goal and an assist at York, where Dowell’s early saves helped Newcastle recover to win.
Mills looks a real talent, and we’d be shocked if he doesn’t get some first-team minutes at some point this season. He’s already made the bench and another goal on international duty can only help his case.
England next face Egypt on Sunday at 2pm BST.
