Everton starlet shines for England as he takes the armband and fires past Spain
Harrison Armstrong continued his solid form in the England youth set-up
13:16, 06 Sep 2025
Harrison Armstrong celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the international friendly match between England U19 and Spain U19 at Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain.
Harrison Armstrong celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the international friendly match between England U19 and Spain U19 at Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Harrison Armstrong came off the bench to score a late equaliser for England’s Under-19s in a thrilling draw with Spain.
The Everton starlet took the captain’s armband upon his introduction in the 69th minute and played a crucial role in an end-to-end finish at the Pinatar Arena, just outside Murcia in south eastern Spain.
The hosts looked destined to seal a 3-2 win when they took a late lead from the spot but the 18-year-old grabbed an 87th minute leveller as he tapped in a cross from Liverpool FC youngster Rio Ngumoha.
It was a second landmark appearance in quick succession for Armstrong, who captained England from the start in their 2-0 win over Ukraine in midweek.
That he took the armband in both matches – immediately assuming it on Saturday morning – highlights the esteem in which he is held within the international set-up.
Will Antwi’s squad includes Ngumoha, and Arsenal’s Max Dowman, who have both featured for the first team this season, as well as Fulham’s Josh King, whose goal against Chelsea was mistakenly ruled out after a VAR intervention last weekend.
Armstrong also has Premier League experience this season, coming on as a substitute for Jack Grealish in the win over Brighton.
He produced a man of the match display in the Carabao Cup win over Mansfield Town days later – leading to David Moyes agonising over whether he would keep him with the first team or sanction a loan move to improve his chances of first team minutes.
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The deadline day arrival of Merlin Rohl led to him choosing the latter and the teenager will start life at Preston in the Championship when he returns from international duty.
Armstrong was not the only Blue involved in the action, with highly-rated goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks playing the full 90 for England.
