Wales U19s 3 England U19s 2: Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brace not enough to stop England U19s losing in Wales
Manchester United defender Ro-Shaun Williams sees red as Dragons win Euro qualifier
A BRACE from Liverpool rising star Trent Alexander-Arnold was not enough to stop ten-man England Under-19s from slipping to a 3-2 Euro qualifier defeat against Wales.
In the week he signed a new long-term Anfield deal, the youngster drew his side level after falling two behind but that did not stop the Young Lions from being tamed by the Dragons in Rhyl on Saturday.
Nathan Broadhead gave the hosts the lead from the spot on 35 minutes before sub Thomas Harris doubled the advantage on the hour mark.
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Keith Downing’s side looked dead and buried before Alexander-Arnold burst into life.
The 18-year-old, who made his Reds debut against Tottenham in the EFL Cup last month, gave his side hope of a comeback on 63 minutes.
He lofted in a cross from the right that beat everyone, including the goalkeeper, as it floated inside the far post.
Ten minutes later it looked to be mission accomplished as England drew level.
Chelsea ace Dujon Sterling was fouled inside the area and Alexander-Arnold confidently strode up to fire the ball into the corner to equalise.
Another hopes of a remarkable turnaround were quickly extinguished as the Welsh regained the lead inside two minutes.
Everton winger Broadhead latched onto a poor back pass and kept his head to slot past keeper Aaron Ramsdale for his second and the winner.
Manchester United defender Ro-Shaun Williams then rounded off a miserable night for England as he was shown a second yellow towards the end to rule him out of the crunch final match next week.
The Young Lions must win their European Championship qualifier against Greece on Tuesday to ensure their progress into March’s Elite Round – with the Welsh already assured of their spot.
The result also ensured that Chelsea youngster Cole DaSilva, who lined up for Wales, earned the bragging rights over older brother and Blues team-mate Jay, who played left-back for the visitors.