Published 03 September 2021 2 min read
Men's U18
Wales 1-1 England MU18s
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Young Lions held to a draw across the Welsh border in their first game of the new season
England men's under-18s had to show their character to earn a 1-1 draw against Wales on Friday afternoon.
The Young Lions made the short trip across the border for their first training camp of the new season this week, culminating in a game with their hosts in Newport.
And they weren't afforded much hospitality on the pitch in what was a competitive encounter from start to finish.
It was Wales who took the lead too, when Luke Harris scored from close range just before the 20-minute mark.
That didn't knock England's confidence too much though, as Paul Williams' side continued to attack and break down the home side albeit without really threatening.
The second half followed a similar pattern, but as the clock wore on England's possession started to pay off as Wales were forced further back in retreat.
And the Young Lions found a deserved equaliser in the 76th minute when captain Rico Lewis slotted home from seven yards in a crowded box to bring his side level.
England: Charlie Setford (Ajax), Lee Jonas (Liverpool), Jadel Katongo (Manchester City), Rico Lewis (Manchester City) (c), Jordan Hackett (Tottenham Hotspur), Sam Braybrooke (Leicester City), Darko Gyabi (Manchester City), Samuel Mather (Manchester United), Sonny Perkins (West Ham United), Kaide Gordon (Liverpool), Zak Emmerson (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Substitutes: Zak Sturge (Brighton & Hove Albion) for Hackett 10, Brodi Hughes (Chelsea) for Katongo 46, Jack Wells-Morrison (Crystal Palace) for Gyabi 46, Michael Olakigbe (Fulham) for Mather 46, Jacob Knightbridge (West Ham United) for Setford 58, Luke Chambers (Liverpool) for Jonas 58, Lewis Hall (Chelsea) for Braybrooke 58
Subs not used: Richard Olise (Chelsea), James Beadle (Charlton Athletic), Kian Pennant (Leicester City), Danie Gore (Manchester United)
Head coach: Paul Williams
Goals: Rico Lewis 76
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