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Youngsters star for England U-17s

I needed a football fix last night so I watched the England U-17s beat the Czech Republic 3-1. had Luke Garbutt and Ross Barkley playing from Everton; they both completed 90 mins.

Garbutt was captain. He looked assured and competent at left back. Getting forward when possible and putting some decent crosses in. Exposed at times and not spectacular, but a solid 7/10. A younger Baines.

Barkley was more impressive. He has a good engine, is pretty quick, both broke up play and started new moves. He scored the first and set up the third. Only problem being that he plays in the one area we are fairly over subscribed, central midfield. 8/10. A younger Rodwell.
Sam Hoare, London Posted 19/05/2010 at 08:49:18

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Gary Hegarty
1 Posted 19/05/2010 at 16:42:57

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Sam - a younger Rodwell? It's getting to something isn't it when we are looking at our 1st year academy players and comparing them to.... well, 2nd year academy players eh??

If he's anything on Rodwell, I'll take it....

Richard Osborne
2 Posted 19/05/2010 at 17:22:32

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Thanks, Sam. It's not easy keeping up-to-date with the Reserves and Youth Teams, out here in Canada so I appreciate the update.

Garbutt ought to be in contention for a place in the 1st team over the coming season. Not in the starting 11 but maybe a place on the bench.

I've not heard of this Barkley kid but if he can mix it up in midfield, that is precisely the kind of player we have not had enough of over the last few years and could definitely use in the coming few seasons.

Good luck to him.

Julian Wait
3 Posted 19/05/2010 at 17:12:58

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Arteta is 28. Rodwell may or may not stay at CM. We'll keep Barkley in CM if he's any good, thanks. :-)

Peter Askins
4 Posted 19/05/2010 at 20:30:23

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I watched the game too, so can support Sam's comments.

Both of our lads played well, but Barkley stood out in centre mid. He was always looking forward, and pulled off a couple of killer passes. His composure was particularly apparent, as he quietly took control of the middle of the park.

It will be interesting to watch these two as England progress through the tournament, but the opposition will get tougher.

A word of caution though, before we all get carried away! We have a habit of turning out top quality kids, but seldom do they hit the same heights professionally. I recall some 10 years ago or so that Everton provided THREE England under-age captains in the same season — Steven Schumacher, Peter Clarke, and ermmm, I've forgotten the other, which may prove the point!

Mike Allison
5 Posted 19/05/2010 at 22:37:13

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Stephen Beck?

Mark Stone
6 Posted 20/05/2010 at 11:04:48

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Barkley is 15 I think. I wouldn't worry too much about whether or not our 1st team midfield can accomodate him just yet!!!

Andrew Keatley
7 Posted 21/05/2010 at 00:26:20

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They did well to complete 90 minutes considering the U17s only play two 40-minute halves...

Art Jones
8 Posted 21/05/2010 at 04:34:11

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I never seen the game but I've heard quite a few good reports on Ross Barkley from people who I regard as good judges. A lot can happen to players between ages 15-18 (JPK?) that will determine whether they will make the grade but if Barkley and Garbutt continue in this vein then they could both save us quite a lot of money.

Kevin Gillen
9 Posted 21/05/2010 at 10:02:55

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More evidence, if any was needed, that we have as good a youth set up as any in the Premier League. Congratulations to Moyes, Kenwright and co.

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