ENGLAND KIDS CHASING HAT-TRICK

THE numbers reflect what has been a golden summer: 26 tournament matches, 58 goals, 22 victories and, best of all, two shimmering pieces of silver. England’s young footballers have dazzled in recent months, with the Under 20s conquering the world in South Korea and the Under 18s successfully defending their Toulon Tournament title. Now the Under 19s face Portugal in Tbilisi this evening in the European Championship final. Their run has been eyecatching, with the standout result a 4-1 demolition of Germany in the final group game. The success of the other age-group teams has had a galvanising effect on the Under 19s, with head coach Keith Downing keen to harness the momentum. ‘It makes you doubly determined when you see others doing so well,’ he said. ‘It’s a big incentive to try to follow what others teams have done.’ The Under 19s have played 10 matches since September and won nine, with the last four against Bulgaria, Holland, Germany and the Czech Republic carrying them into this evening’s showdown. ‘The standard has been a little diluted because some other countries have had problems bringing their best players,’ added Downing. ‘We’re a little down in numbers too. But there is a depth of talent and it has been a real group effort. That will be needed once more against Portugal.’ So who has caught the eye? Downing is reluctant to single out individuals but there are name checks for Leicester defender Darnell Johnson, Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah — who will miss the clash with Portugal due to injury — and Manchester City’s Lukas Nmecha (left), scorer of the goal that settled Wednesday’s semifinal against the Czech Republic. But for all they have achieved, before kick-off tonight Downing will deliver a reminder that the job is not yet done. ‘We have had a real tough schedule and Portugal have got great potential. But it won’t be the same unless we win it.’ TV: LIVE on Eurosport 1, 5pm.