Much of the English focus over the international break was on the senior side as Gareth Southgate’s men stepped up preparations for this year’s World Cup with successive victories over Switerzland and Ivory Coast.
Yet elsewhere it also proved a fruitful break for Lee Carsley’s U21 England squad as they secured victories over Andorra and Albania. Arguably the most impressive of those wins was the 4-1 victory over Andorra in a game in which former Tottenham prospect Noni Madueke starred.
Madueke came through the Spurs academy and impressed at various England youth age groups, notably captaining the U16s before making his debut for the U18s at just 15. Spurs tried to tie him down on a senior contract at 16, and other big Premier League sides such as Man United also showed an interest. However, he opted to sign a three-year deal with PSV instead, stating the move “was going to be the best” for his development.
