Michael Kenrick 04/09/2025 5comments  |  Jump to last

Everton's highly-rated young midfielder, Harrison Armstrong, has added another impressive accolade to his burgeoning career, captaining the England U19 side to a 2-0 win in a friendly against Ukraine on Wednesday.

This leadership role on the international stage at Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain, will be an important milestone in the young player's career. Armstrong's mature performances and clear leadership qualities have been noted by England's youth setup, and his captaincy of the U19s is a testament to his growing influence.

The 18-year-old, currently on a season-long loan at Preston North End, led the Young Lions from the centre of the park as they secured a comfortable win. The result marks another significant milestone for the Kirkby-born talent, who has been a standout performer at both club and international level in recent seasons.

Despite Ukraine having an early goal ruled out for offside, it was England who took the lead in the 10th minute when Divine Mukasa struck the Young Lions ahead. They doubled their advantage just after the hour-mark, when substitute Shumaira Mheuka made it 2-0. Douglass Lukjanciks, Everton's promising young goalkeeper, was an unused sub on the bench.

Armstrong, who has progressed through the Everton academy since the age of 5, signed his first professional contract with the Blues in July 2024 and made his Premier League debut as a late substitute in the fixture at Tottenham the following month. After a successful loan spell at Derby County last season where he was nominated for the club's Young Player of the Season award, the central midfielder completed a temporary  move to Preston North End on Transfer Deadline Day to continue his development in the Championship.

While he is gaining valuable experience away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium, his continued recognition with the national team highlights the potential that many Evertonians believe he possesses. The victory over Ukraine, with Armstrong at the helm, serves as a strong signal that the future for both the player and the club is bright.

 

Reader Comments (5)

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Craig Scott
1 Posted 04/09/2025 at 10:43:35
Great to see an Academy product with plenty of potential getting recognition and valuable experience. He has the potential to be another find like Branthwaite.

We need to retain him and develop more young players like him.

Andrew Merrick
2 Posted 04/09/2025 at 11:10:44
I thought the same Craig, he had to be a keeper.
But the decision to bring in Rohl begs the question, how do all these guys fit?
So Harrison gets loaned out, cant argue he is developing, but is it the clubs intention to keep or sell?
David Bromwell
3 Posted 04/09/2025 at 12:14:32
I don't really understand why he has gone to Preston, however, he looks a class act in the making and someone we should be aiming to keep long term. Hopping he will have a fine season with Preston and come back into our1st team squad for next season.
Dave Abrahams
4 Posted 04/09/2025 at 12:20:05
How much is the loan fee Preston are paying to get this lad for the season?
Alex Parr
5 Posted 04/09/2025 at 12:44:48
Seems a very level-headed young man. Wish him well at PNE and hopefully returns an even better player.

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