In a decisive start to their Euro qualification campaign, England Under-19s showcased their potential with a convincing 2-0 victory over Wales on March 19, 2025. Leading the team was Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, who captained the Young Lions to a confident performance that could significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship this summer.
The match unfolded with a strong opening, as England swiftly took control against their Welsh neighbors. Just before the hour mark, Ethan Wheatley broke the deadlock, putting England ahead with a well-placed shot. The Young Lions' offense took a further step forward as Chelsea's Shim Mhueka, who joined the game as a second-half substitute in the 68th minute, sealed the victory. Displaying impressive strength and agility, Mhueka maneuvered through the Welsh defense and struck a beautiful shot into the bottom corner, ensuring England's dominance with six minutes left to play.
The tournament format this year has raised the stakes for all participating teams, as the elite round will determine which seven nations join hosts Romania in the finals. Only the top teams from each four-team pool will progress, adding excitement to every match. With their solid performance against Wales, England Under-19s have started the elite round on a high note.
This match was just one of several youth matches scheduled to take place that week, demonstrating the vibrant talent pool within European football. As the elite round continues, the future of several upcoming stars is under scrutiny. Another notable talent on display this week was Mathis Amougou, who came off the bench in the 66th minute, albeit during a challenging match for France, where they faced a 2-1 defeat against Spain. Similarly, Genesis Antwi participated with the Sweden Under-18s, who battled to a 1-1 draw with Scotland Under-19s in a friendly tournament held in Pinatar, Spain.
As England looks ahead, the next challenges come in the form of matches against other strong contenders. Charlie Crew, a member of the Wales U19s team, reflected on the challenges faced by his squad. Wales is set for a demanding qualification triple-header, taking on England, Portugal, and Turkey in the coming days. Although Crew acknowledged that his team faces tough competition, he expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to play quality opponents, stating, "They’re three brilliant games, ones that will test us in different ways, so I’m really looking forward to playing opponents of the quality that they are." This forward-thinking outlook could be pivotal for Crew and his teammates, as they strive to improve and perhaps surprise in this qualification quest.
The friendship among players extends beyond national interests, showcasing shared experiences of youth football competitions that often intertwine their paths. For Crew, who has already debuted for the full national team and played regularly within the Under-21 setup, returning to the U19 squad offers both leadership opportunities and the promise of further development in the game.
In summary, England's strong opening to the Euro qualifiers has put them in a favorable position as they aim for the tournament in Romania. The systemic efforts to cultivate young football talent will be vividly on display as nations vie for qualification slots, promising exciting spectacles for football fans in the months to come.
