The Easter holiday may have meant a free weekend for the club’s youngsters in terms of Under-18 football but not so for Liverpools young U16’s Tyrell Belford, Matthew Regan and Raheem Sterling. The trio have played their part in the Young Lions march to the final of the Montaigu friendly tournament in France. Unfortunately the tournament wasn’t to end in victory as the England U16’s lost out on penalties to Portugals U16’s in the Final of the Montaigu Tournament in France on Monday afternoon.
Tyrell Belford, Raheem Sterling and Matthew Regan
Goalkeeper Tyrell Belford signed for Liverpool from Coventer City in October 2009, signing a three year contract. Tyrell is the son of former Aston Villa, Nuneaton and Atherstone keeper Dale Belford. Center back Matthew Regan was signed from Wrexham during the Summer of 2009. As part of the 15 year old’s transfer deal, Liverpool will play a friendly match at the Racecourse next July.
Back in February 2010, Liverpool captured highly-rated English international Raheem Sterling. Raheem, 16, is an attacking midfielder who made his England debut for the Under-16 side at the end of last year in the Sky Sports Victory Shield against Northern Ireland at Chester City’s Deva Stadium. He came on late in the first half and provided the assist for Matthias Fanimo to score England’s second in a 2-0 win. He made an instant impact at Liverpool’s Academy when he scored on his Liverpool debut for our U18’s during our 4-3 mini derby victory over Everton. After his impressive debut, Reds boss Rodolfo Borrell told liverpoolfc.tv: “I was pleased with Raheem’s contribution and that he scored on his debut. He is quick and skilful but still only young. He can improve tactically and has a long way to go, but he is a great signing for this football club.”
Their England Montaigu Tournament Journey
England U16’s opened their Montaigu Tournament campaign last week with a solid 3-1 victory over Ukraine in St Gilles De Vie. Raheem started the match and produced an eye catching display, Matthew Regan came on as a substitute while Tyrell Belford was an unused sub. Everton‘s Hallam Hope opened the scoring but Ukraine equalised just after the break. Liverpools Raheem Sterling scored to restore England’s lead and Hope finished the scoring 12 minutes from time with a penalty.
Englands second game of the Montaigu Tournament in France saw a resounding 6-0 victory over Gabon. This time Tyrell started the game in goal for the U16’s, Matthew Regan also played the full match in defence while Raheem appeared as a second half substitute replacing Jack Barmby.
Englands final game in the group saw them convincingly beat Japan 2-1 with all three Liverpool players starting the game for England. England had secured a place in the final to face Portugal’s U21s and an opportunity to retain their title of Montaigu Tournament champions.
However, the final ended in heartache for the England youngsters. Portugal had taken the lead on 13 minutes but Blackburn Rovers midfielder Robbie Cotton levelled the score for England after 29 minutes to equalise and send the game to a penalty shoot-out, which Portugal won 3-1.
Englands Team that faced Portugal : Jordan Pickford, Jordan Cousins (C), Ellis Plummer (Callum McFadzean 50), Sam Magri, Raheem Sterling, Robbie Cotton (George Evans 60), Hallam Hope (Nathan Redmond 72), Nick Powell, Blair Turgott (Max Clayton 72), Jack Barmby (Matthias Fanimo 49), Matthew Regan
Substitutes not used : Tyrell Belford
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