Five Star Show For Young Lions

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Freddie Woodman and Adam Armstrong helped England's under-19s to a 5-1 win over Japan in the Young Lions' final game of 2015.

Sunday's match was played at Manchester City's impressive Academy stadium - just a couple of long goal kicks away from the Etihad Stadium - and Aidy Boothroyd's side signed off for the year in style.

Woodman played the whole game while Armstrong, who had captained the team in Thursday's 2-2 draw in Holland, was a 70th-minute replacement for Tammy Abraham of Chelsea.

Abraham scored twice while Josh Onomah (Tottenham), Patrick Roberts (Manchester City) and Dan Crowley (Arsenal) got the other goals.

Woodman was beaten by a powerful header from Kazune Kubota which went in off the underside of the crossbar, but England were comfortable winners.

Chancel Mbemba also had cause for celebration as a 2-2 draw against Burundi gave DR Congo a 5-4 aggregate win in a World Cup qualifying tie. Gael Bigrimana made his full international debut for Burundi and was substituted in the 62nd minute.

But Scotland's hopes of reaching the European Under-19 Championships suffered a blow as the Tartan Army were beaten 1-0 by Slovenia. Kyle Cameron played the whole game.

Northern Ireland took a step closer to qualification for the same competition on Saturday, though, with Michael Newberry helping his side to a 1-1 draw with Russia.

England under-20s' friendly against France on Saturday was cancelled due to the tragic events in Paris. Alex Gilliead was part of the England squad.