Such has been the strength of talent emerging from West Ham’s academy in recent seasons that we have become almost immune to the headlines of young players making it onto the international stage. Initially the Hammers had no less than four players within the England u20 squad, all of them seasoned match day regulars within the Irons’ Championship squad.
However sparking something of a concern at Rush Green, ahead of the away game with Italy, West Ham’s second choice goal keeper Fin Herrick withdrew from the u2o squad through injury.
The West Ham duo of Airidas Golambeckis and Divine Mukasa featured in England’s u20 1-3 away win whilst Ezra Mayers was an unused substitute.
Golambeckis scored an unfortunate own goal but the England side cruised to victory nonetheless. Two more games beckon against Germany and France as the young Lions continue their Euro Elite League campaign – the final game is on 3rd October meaning Nuno will have his youngsters back in training for less than a week before the Championship campaign restarts.
injury concerns remain after Herrick’s withdrawal from the England u20 squad vs Italy
Hopefully there’ll be more good news on Finlay Herrick‘s as yet unknown injury ahead of the 9th October QPR clash.
Nuno’s relationship with the ‘invisible’ Areola might need to undergo something of a thaw if Herrick remains unavailable: Whilst the club ascertain the French keeper is fit and in training it does seem odd that he’s not featured in a match day squad since pre-season.
The player and manager might need to engage in some bridge building before QPR come calling or else the Hammers will go into the game with Mads Hermansen their sole senior fit keeper.