England men’s under-19s began their UEFA U19 EURO 2025 qualifying campaign with a measured 1-0 victory against Lithuania.

The under-19s will face Bulgaria and Belgium in their remaining fixtures this week as they look to qualify for the elite round in spring. 

In a fixture dictated by the Young Lions from the off, Will Antwi’s side grabbed their first of the game within six minutes. 

Using the width to their advantage early on, Ethan Nwaneri's perfectly timed run and glancing header saw him score from a cross from Tyrique George.

As England continued to control the game, crosses from either flank provided the most danger. Kadan Young and Josh King were particularly dangerous as Lithuania struggled to find a response.

The Young Lions continued in a similar fashion in the second period, targeting the wide space. 

The standout chance of the half fell to Joe Johnson, whose header was blocked on the line by a flurry of Lithuanian players.

Nwaneri came close to doubling the lead ten minutes from time, coming inches away from latching onto a deflected strike by substitute Jesse Derry.

Lithuania did still pose a threat, as they looked to strike on the counter and claim a point from the fixture, but the Young Lions held out, securing all three points and a clean sheet in their first stage of qualifying.

Antwi’s side face Bulgaria next on Saturday 16 November (12:30pm GMT) as they look to make it two wins from two in their first qualifying round.

England: 13 Finlay Herrick (West Ham United) (GK), 3 Jayden Meghoma (Brentford), 5 Harrison Murray-Campbell (Chelsea), 6 Kiano Dyer (Chelsea), 7 Kadan Young (Aston Villa), 8 Joshua King (Fulham), 10 Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) (C), 11 Tyrique George (Chelsea), 12 Joe Johnson (Luton Town), 17 Leo Black (Tottenham Hotspur), 20 Shumaira Mheuka (Chelsea) 

Substitutes: 9 Ethan Wheatley (Manchester United) for Mheuka 71’, 14 Jesse Derry (Crystal Palace) for George 71’, 19 Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal) for King 71’. 2 Joshua Acheampong (Chelsea) for Black 90’, 15 Samuel Amo-Ameyaw (Southampton) for Young 90’

Substitutes not used: Ted Curd (Hampton & Richmond Borough) (GK), Tommy Setford (Arsenal) (GK), Zach Abbott (Nottingham Forest), Triston Rowe (Aston Villa), Trey Nyoni (Liverpool), Lewis Orford (West Ham United)

Goals: Nwaneri 6

Head Coach: Will Antwi