Spurs international watch: Productive afternoon for youngsters | OneFootball

On Monday afternoon, there was England U21 football for Dane Scarlett and Archie Gray, as they faced the Netherlands away from home in a friendly, with Jude Bellingham in attendance, watching his younger brother. England U21s for the U21 European Championships in Slovakia next summer with a win over Azerbaijan last month.

Another goal for young Spurs striker currently out on loan

For this game, Scarlett joined usual starter Gray in the starting line up. As he tends to for the U21s, Gray started this game as a right-back, whilst Scarlett lead the line as a lone striker for this one.

It was the dream start, as just five minutes in, an inviting cross from the left hand side by Samuel Iling Junior was well attacked by Scarlett, heading the ball past Robin Roefs in the Netherlands goal to score his second goal for the England U21s, on his first start for the side.

It looked like England were going to hold on for a win, despite a lot of dominance from their hosts, but an equaliser eight minutes from time meant the final score would be 1-1, making it two draws from two games in these two friendlies on the road – nothing to be ashamed about at all.

As for the Spurs players, Gray played the whole 90 minutes, whilst Scarlett was replaced by Liam Delap after 56 minutes. It was not Gray’s best performance in a young lions shirt, and he was booked for a foul late on in the game. Scarlett will have done his chances of game time at Oxford United no harm at all with another goal here.

Although not his best day at the office, another 90 minutes for Gray is still pretty useful. With Rodrigo Bentancur’s recently confirmed seven game domestic ban, the teenager may be really needed in a Spurs shirt when it comes to games in the league and the Carabao Cup.

Whilst not an out and out defensive midfielder, Spurs are a bit light there. Even Yves Bissouma, who has played pretty well there – is not a true number six. The 28-year old plays for his native Mali as a number ten. That too, and Gray could form a double pivot with the tenacious and energetic Pape Matar Sarr at certain points.

The next England U21 game will be under manager Lee Carsley, who has served his interim spell as manager of the England senior team, and will go back to managing the U21s from the next international break in March, and for the upcoming Euros next summer.