Both just slightly too old to join Ethan Nwaneri at the u17 European Championships this summer, Arsenal’s Ayden Heaven and Myles Lewis-Skelly are both with the England u18s instead.
For Lewis-Skelly, this is just his latest call-up, having already played for the England u18s last September. But Wednesday was a first opportunity for the youngster to pull on the captain’s armband against Northern Ireland.
As for Heaven, this is his first England call-up at any level, and Wednesday’s game gave him his first start.
Lewis-Skelly played 55 minutes and Heaven played the full 90 in the 4-2 friendly win, but Lewis-Skelly was particularly pivotal in that opening hour.
After Kadan Young had given England an early lead with a goal on the rebound, Lewis-Skelly helped the team to double their advantage with an impressive run and assist for Romelle Donovan.
Ethan Wheatley made it 3-0, and he should have made it four after another Lewis-Skelly run won England a penalty. But it was saved, and Northern Ireland responded in the second half by pulling two goals back.
Fortunately, England’s Ajay Matthews scored a deflected effort in the 82nd minute to confirm the result at 4-2.
The England u18s now have another game against Morocco on Sunday, May 26th at 13:00 BST to round out their international break.