Gareth Southgate was impressed with Josh Onomah’s performance against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup.
Josh Onomah lived up to his billing as a bright prospect at Tottenham Hotspur, scoring the opener in the club’s FA Youth Cup win over Chelsea.
Spurs won 2-0, with Kazaiah Sterling netting the second, giving the side a healthy lead heading into the semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge in a fortnight’s time.
Onomah’s first half goal was just part of an impressive performance from the attacking midfielder, who made his first team debut in the FA Cup earlier this season as a substitute.
His display caught the eye of England under-21 manager Gareth Southgate, who was working as a pundit for ITV4.
He told the channel: “I thought he had an excellent game. As it went on he grew in stature.
“He’s got a combination of technical ability, and a physicality that means he can ride challenges.”
Onomah, 17, is an England youth international at England under-18 level, but Southgate’s comments offer hope he can continue his progression, even if this summer’s under-21 European Championships may come too soon.
His performance against Chelsea also won praise from Spurs under-18 boss Kieran Mckenna, who told ITV4 after the game:
“Josh carried the ball really well throughout the game, he was strong, forceful and got his shot away really well. When you shoot low across the goal, you’ve always got a chance.”
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