Report: England MU17s 2-1 Venezuela

In a match overshadowed by reports of racism, England men’s under-17s began their 2025-26 campaign with a 2-1 win against Venezuela in Germany.

The game was halted twice, with a lengthy delay in the second half as the referee dealt with the incidents.

An FA spokesperson said: "We are aware of disturbing reports of racism towards England players at our MU17 match against Venezuela played in Germany today.

"This is being treated with the utmost seriousness and our priority is to support our players and staff.

"We are in ongoing discussions with tournament organisers and the relevant authorities about next steps."

The Young Lions had to come from behind, as the South Americans took a first-half lead before Brian Madjo levelled things up with a first-time finish.

Venezuela saw a goal disallowed before Ryan Kavuma-McQueen fired England into the lead, closing down the opposition goalkeeper before finding the back of the net.

It was the first game of three in Duisburg for Liam Bramley’s side. The Young Lions are preparing for next month’s UEFA U17 EURO qualifiers in Lithuania.

England: 1 George Mair (Newcastle United), 2 Josiah King (Arsenal), 3 Liam Balmer (Liverpool), 4 Malik Olayiwola (Everton), 5 Reuben Gokah (Everton), 6 Marlow Barrett (Manchester City), 7 Ryan Kavuma-McQueen (Chelsea), 8 Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli (Chelsea), 10 Sam Alabi (Newcastle United) (c), 11 Ajay Tavares (Norwich City), 19 Brian Madjo (FC Metz)

Substitutes: 12 Oscar Sandiford (Tottenham Hotspur) for King 60’, 14 Mathis Eboue (Chelsea) for Tavares 60’, 15 Floyd Samba (Manchester City) for Balmer 60’, 20 Hugo De Lisle (Leicester City) for Kavuma-McQueen 60’, 17 Archie Thornton (Manchester City) for Gokah 78’, 18 Erik Farkas (Liverpool) for Olayiwola 78’, 21 Fraser Widdop (Brighton & Hove Albion) for Nicoll-Jazuli 85’

Substitutes not used: 9 Oliver Boast (Tottenham Hotspur), 13 Ben Vickery (Manchester City), 16 Calvin Diakite (Chelsea), 22 Roman Dowell (Newcastle United)

Head coach: Liam Bramley

Goals: Madjo, Kavuma-McQueen