Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis made his debut for England last night – and drew praise after the game from captain Harry Kane.
England played their final Euro 2024 qualifying match against North Macedonia in Skopje, but could not finish their campaign with a flourish.
The game finished 1-1, with the Three Lions actually coming from behind after a very harsh penalty was awarded against debutant Lewis.
Thankfully, this early decision did not play on Lewis’ mind, and the teenager – who celebrates his 19th birthday today – went on to enjoy a really solid game and win Man of the Match.
The £25,000-a-week star’s display led to praise from captain Kane…
Harry Kane praises Rico Lewis after his debut for England
Lewis played at left-back last night, with his City teammate Kyle Walker – who wore the captain’s armband with Kane starting from the bench – on the right, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield.
The penalty decision that went against Lewis was farcical, and it had the potential to really ruin his night as a young layer making his debut for the senior national side.
But he did not let it, and went on to turn in a really strong performance, linking up well with fellow City star Jack Grealish on the left.
Kane was full of praise for Lewis after the game, saying on Channel 4: “I thought he was really good. Really good with and without the ball. A shame with the penalty because it was a disappointing one, but he can be very proud of his debut and I thought he was fantastic throughout the game.
“He just needs to keep working hard as I’m sure he will and I’m sure he will be back with us trying to get on the pitch.”
Walker also heaped praise on Lewis after the game, saying that he shows his quality all the time in City training and that he deserved his first cap, while Gareth Southgate branded him ‘excellent’.
Lewis gave a great account of himself
It was fantastic to see Lewis starting a game for the senior England side, following his brilliant rise back at City. It was no less than he deserved.
That penalty decision was ridiculous, but Lewis showed great character to bounce back and put in a really strong performance in a position he very rarely plays.
Kane’s comments were really nice to hear. It’s clear that Lewis has already made an impression on him and others around the camp.
There is no doubt that Lewis will be adding many more international caps in the future.
