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Watts makes England bow as Young Lions see off Turkey
Written by Tom Easterby
Young Newcastle United midfielder Kelland Watts made his international debut on Tuesday, helping England record a 3-2 win over Turkey in the European Under-19 Championship.
Eighteen-year-old Watts – who recently signed a professional deal at St. James’ Park – was called up to former United coach Paul Simpson’s squad for the first time ahead of the tournament in Finland.
And he made his bow on Tuesday afternoon, starting for the Young Lions as they made the perfect start to the group stage.
Guven Yalcin put Turkey ahead early on, before Japhet Tanganga levelled and Ben Brereton put England ahead just before the break.
Elliot Embleton’s drive made it three one after the restart, and though Metehan Guclu pulled one back, England – with Watts playing the full 90 minutes – held on to record victory.
Watts will now hope to feature in their remaining group fixtures against Ukraine on Friday, 20th July (4.30pm kick-off) and France on Monday, 24th July (4.30pm kick-off) as Simpson’s side look to progress to the knockout stages.