Leeds wonderkid Mateo Joseph was handed a start by Ian Foster earlier on Saturday as England took on the United States in an Under-20 clash.
It was the 19-year-old’s first start for the England Under-20 side, and he took full advantage of his opportunity.
What’s the story?
Well, Joseph scored just seven minutes into his first start for the England Under-20 side to put the Three Lions 1-0 up.
Things got even better for the Leeds No.49 in the 62nd minute as he netted another goal to make it 4-2.
It was a special moment for the Santander-born prospect, and he fully deserved his chance on the international stage following his remarkable efforts so far this season.
Joseph has impressively scored 15 goals in 16 Premier League 2 appearances this season, stunning form which has earned him a few opportunities in the Premier League.Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
The England Under-20 international was recently given 22 minutes of action by Javi Gracia in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, after Michael Skubala threw him into the action at Old Trafford.
Jesse Marsch also gave Joseph his Premier League debut in the 4-3 defeat to Tottenham back in November, after heaping praise on the teenager.
Before he was sacked and replaced by Gracia, the American said in a press conference: “Mateo has developed a lot since I’ve been here, understands pressing, how to play with intensity. Goalscoring knack. Because of his intelligence, quality, adaptation, he has real potential to be an important player here.”
Mateo Joseph is one of many Leeds wonderkids
In our view, the future of Leeds is very bright – regardless of what division they find themselves in next season.View Tweet
Leeds boast huge talents in a number of positions, such as Joe Gelhardt, Crysencio Summerville, Sam Greenwood, Archie Gray, Cody Drameh, Illan Meslier, Charlie Cresswell and Darko Gyabi.
Hopefully, Leeds can stay in the Premier League and give these prodigies a platform to develop in England’s top-flight, but if not, it surely won’t be long until they are back with talents like the above in their ranks.
