England's Under-21 team delivered another commanding performance in their European Championship qualification campaign, securing a comprehensive 4-0 victory against Slovakia in Prešov. The young Lions maintained their perfect defensive record while showcasing their attacking prowess in a match that highlighted the depth of talent available to manager Lee Carsley.
Mubama's Goal-Scoring Brilliance
Divin Mubama emerged as the star of the show, netting two goals to take his personal tally to five in five qualification matches. The West Ham United striker, currently on loan at Stoke City, demonstrated the clinical finishing that has made him such a valuable asset to Carsley's setup.
Despite his brace, Mubama returned to the dressing room disappointed not to have scored more - a testament to the high standards he sets for himself. His development comes at a time when traditional number nines are becoming increasingly rare in English football, making his progress particularly noteworthy.
Carsley praised the young striker's dedication, noting: 'He's outstanding in training especially, the way he practices is very deliberate with what he wants to do. We've got to make sure we keep creating opportunities for him.'
Defensive Solidity and Emerging Talent
England have now gone five qualification matches without conceding a single goal, establishing themselves at the top of Group D. The defensive unit, marshalled by the impressive Josh Acheampong, limited Slovakia to just two shots on target throughout the match.
The 19-year-old Chelsea defender has become a cornerstone of Carsley's rebuilt side, with his composure on the ball and recovery pace catching the eye. Having started four of the five qualification matches, Acheampong's maturity belies his young age and positions him as a key figure for the 2027 European Championship defence.
Carsley expressed his admiration for the young defender: 'Josh is a player that we rate highly. He's got a lot of potential and he just needs to keep playing, keep getting the experiences he's getting with club and country.'
Nwaneri's Crossroads Moment
Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri also made his mark on the game, scoring England's second goal with an exquisite chip over the Slovakian goalkeeper. However, the talented teenager finds himself at a crucial juncture in his career development.
Despite signing a long-term contract with Arsenal, Nwaneri has seen limited first-team opportunities this season, with less than forty-five minutes of Premier League football since mid-September. His performances for the Under-21s, where he operates in his preferred number ten role, highlight the gap between international and club involvement.
The January transfer window presents a pivotal moment for the young playmaker, with a potential loan move offering the regular senior football needed to continue his development. Carsley acknowledged Nwaneri's situation, stating: 'Ethan has done a campaign, he's done a Euros, and this is a brilliant team for Ethan to play in and be an important part of.'
The victory follows Friday's 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in Birmingham and reinforces England's position as favourites to qualify for the 2027 tournament. With Josh King completing the scoring alongside Mubama's brace and Nwaneri's strike, the young Lions demonstrated both skill and swagger in equal measure.
As the rebuilding process continues following their European Championship success last summer, Carsley's new generation appears well-equipped to mount a serious challenge for historic back-to-back-to-back tournament victories.
