Arsenal, once a Club criticised for their lack of English talents, have completed an England hat-trick this week.
Firstly, No less than four players impressed for the Under 19’s on Tuesday, then Theo Walcott hit a stunning treble against Croatia at full International level, and now star striker Benik Afobe has joined two other young Gunners in the Under 16’s squad for the forthcoming Victory Shield.
At Under 16’s level the Gunners have provided the FA with often 5-6 members of a 20 man squad, but whilst for this tournament only three are named, they are all expected to feature heavily for Kenny Swains outfit. Free scoring hit-man Afobe is the star name in the squad, but giant midfielder Chuks Aneke and fleet footed winger Josh Rees make up a strong Arsenal contingent.
The competition, given it’s full name, The Sky Sports Victory Shield, is a tournament which brings together the best Under 16 players from throughout Great Britain, meaning Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will do battle to try and wrestle the crown from England.
They open against Northern Ireland on October the 3rd, a difficult baptism for the Lions – where Jason Banton’s late strike appeared to have won the game last time these two met, until a last gasp equaliser. Emmanuel Frimpong and Sam Byles join Banton in possessing winners medals, and this current crop of prospects are likely to follow suit.
As you may have guessed, Sky Sports show all of the games live on television – giving many fans a first look at the stars of tomorrow. Young Guns will be watching on and offering reports on the progress of the boys, and hopefully helping find ways for fans outside the UK to watch.
The call up comes after a fantastic season last year for Benik, where he bagged 40 goals in 33 appearances for the Under 16’s. He also scored the winner against Marseille in the Zinédine Zidane Tournament last week, which could see him selected for the Under 18’s this weekend after an injury to Sanchez Watt.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Do we have any representatives in the other teams?
Isn’t Afobe a year younger than most of the squad then? Great new for the kids. I hope that I can see the games, especially to see Afobe play.
Fabregas’ Dad – How do you mean mate?
He 15 approaching 16 so he is the right age, but still one of the youngest in the squad. I think Afobe is going to be the star of the show for England.
He means do we have any representatives in the Wales, Ireland or Scotland team’s.
Yeah what Gooner Chris said.
They have not released the squads as yet, Cormac Hegarty might be in the Irish team, but other than that, nope.
Really looking forward to seeing Afobe play,seems like a great player. Hopefully though he won’t dissapoint me like Rhys Murphy, who although not playing badly hasnt set the world alight like i was expecting given his great scoring record at under 18s level. Hopefully Afobe is good enough to be Arsenal’s version of Micheal Owen.
Benik Afobe’s record is magnificent at his level, cannot wait to see him play with my own eyes, looks to have incredible potential
thats the way arsenal..keep producing young local talents
I just looked on the FA website and there is no mention of the England U16’s squad jamie were did you find this out
I have a friend who knows Kenny Swain himself, I only asked about the Arsenal boys, and he told me.
Really?
Oh cool. Do you think Benik is ready for International level?
Yep, i think he will do very well for us.
Btw, how come your using the same the Username, link, and e-mail address as Gooner Chris, don’t you know i can check IP’s :)
No Zack Ansah then or is he considered to young
The players featuring at u16 level this year have to be born after January 1, 1993.
They do usually feature a few players who are still 14.
Jack Wilshere, John Bostock, Josh McEachran, Chucks Aneke were all 14 years old when they first played for the England U16’s team so if he is supposed to be a bit special i cannot see why Zack Ansah
LOOOOOOOOOOOL “GOONER CHRIS” hahahahah man, the guy needs to get a life, but not da real GOONER CHRIS.
:):):):):)
JS forgive an old man. I know you have answered this. Are any of these, (Afobe?) the 2 Msr Wenger mentioned as nothing to teach etc
By the way, Theo still needs a first touch!!!
Off topic but is it true that Torric Jebriel is on trail at pompey?
yeah he is..
Lloyd the Gooner – Maybe, i think only one man knows that, i believe Zak Ansah is one of those mentioned, but i have no idea.
Thats good news, I think he is a quality player
http://theworldsmostbeautifulgame.wordpress.com
Afobe’s 40 in 33 games last season playing a year above is quite some record. Just stating the obvious there. As for the herbert having a go at Murphy – leave it out eh! Particularly after his two for England the other day. United fans are moaning Welbeck isn’t as good. Whch just proves you’re only as good as your last game eh.
Cant wait to watch it, it’ll be great to see some of the countries best talents on one pitch not to mention one of Arsenal’s brightest young stars. Cant wait for him to break the U18s and reserves either.
On that subject, do you think he’ll get a reserve debut this season and has he ever played for the U18s (dont think he has but i may be wrong) J?
do u know all the other player that have been selected
Thanks for your post. The 2010 World Cup Starts in just 33 days, can’t wait!