Carney Chukwuemeka bagged a brace for England Under-19s on Thursday night as they registered a 3-1 triumph over the Republic of Ireland.
The midfielder started the U19 European Championship qualifier alongside Aston Villa team-mates Tim Iroegbunam and Aaron Ramsey at Walsall’s Banks’s Stadium.
Chukwuemeka and Ramsey, who is currently on loan at Cheltenham Town, completed the encounter while Iroegbunam played 77 minutes as the Villa trio played a starring role.
Dane Scarlett opened the scoring for the Young Lions after just five minutes before James Abankwah levelled for the visitors.
But Chukwuemeka struck a quickfire double either side of half-time to establish a 3-1 lead for England and wrap up the spoils.
His brace ensured England claimed all three points in their Group 3 qualifying opener heading into Saturday’s second fixture against Armenia (ko 2pm).
Kerr Smith completed 90 minutes for Scotland’s Under-19s as they registered an impressive 2-1 triumph over Turkey in their Euro elite qualifying round opener.
Victory sees Scotland top Group 1 after the opening matchday, with Hungary up next on Saturday (ko 6.45pm) as they also bid to qualify for the tournament finals in Slovakia.