Football · International
Ezenwata double launches England under-18 campaign
England defeated Bulgaria 4-1 in Croatia.
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England under-18s opened their UEFA Under-19 European Championship qualifying campaign with a 4-1 victory over Bulgaria. Ben Futcher’s team scored three times before halftime at Sportski Park in Croatia, with Chizaram Ezenwata contributing two goals alongside Reigan Heskey’s opener.
Heskey curled England ahead in the eleventh minute and Ezenwata doubled the advantage shortly afterwards, helped by Reggie Walsh. The Chelsea forward added his second after 34 minutes, giving the Young Lions a commanding lead despite Bulgaria’s early opportunities.
Borislav Stoichkov pulled a goal back after meeting Marto Boychev’s delivery in the second half. Substitute Lorenz Hutchinson completed the scoring in stoppage time, restoring England’s three-goal margin and securing a winning start to qualification for the 2027 tournament.
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