Aston Villa starlet Carney Chukwuemeka stole the headlines as England romped into the semi-finals of the U19 European Championships courtesy of a 4-0 win over Serbia on Wednesday evening.
The Young Lions fielded a side that contained some of the brightest prospects from Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, but it was Chukwuemeka that continued to prove himself as one of the most talented players in his age group, providing a goal and an assist.
First, he slid through Tottenham striker Dane Scarlett in the opening minutes of the game.
GOAL! England lead with their first attack of the game ⚡️
Carney Chukwuemeka feeds Spurs’ Dane Scarlett who coolly slots home. A perfect start!
📱💻🔴 Watch now on @BBCiPlayer, @BBCSport app and via the Red Button.
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 22, 2022
Then, after Scarlett had bundled home a second, the Villa man capped a driving run with a lovely rolled finish into the bottom corner to provide England’s third on the night, and send them sailing into the semi-finals.
Carney Chukwuemeka, take a bow! 🤩
The young Aston Villa midfielder finds a brilliant finish to add England’s third goal against Serbia at #U19Euro.
England 3-0 Serbia
📺🔴📱 Watch the second half on @BBCiPlayer, Red Button and the BBC Sport app ⤵️ #BBCFootball
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 22, 2022
Will he remain at Villa?
Such impressive performances will be greeted with mixed emotions from the Claret faithful. While they will be ecstatic to see their young stars taking centre stage on such occasions, they will be all too aware of their contractual situation.
Chukwuemeka has just 12 months left on his deal at Villa Park, and has of yet shown little intention to extend his time in the Midlands. In January, the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona were both linked with a move for the 18-year-old midfielder.
Performances like this will only continue to keep their interest strong.
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