Versatile Arsenal Fullback Eligible For Nigeria Scores Three Minutes Into England U19 Debut

Published: November 14, 2018

Arsenal fullback Bukayo Saka scored three minutes into his debut for England U19s in a 2019 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying match against Moldova staged at the Arslan Zeki Demirci Spor Kompleksi - Emir Hotels 2 - on Wednesday.

The 2001-born player is eligible to represent England at U17 level but has been fast-tracked into the U19 national team largely due to his brilliant performances for Arsenal's Academy, for whom he has scored 4 goals and provided 7 assists this season.

Saka was promoted to England U18s side in September 2018 along with Nigeria eligible players Arthur Okonkwo, Ajibola Alese, Folarin Balogun, Nathanael Ogbeta, Xavier Amaechi and Faustino Anjorin.

Saka came off the bench in the 82nd minute and gave the Young Lions a 3-0 lead three minutes later after he was set up by Stephen Walker.

Conor Gallagher, Danny Loader and Steven Sessegnon also scored for England U19s in the comprehensive victory.

The 17-year-old Saka penned a professional contract with Arsenal in September 2018.

Tottenham Hotspur central defender Timothy Eyoma played the last five minutes for Keith Downing's side after replacing Guehi.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com