The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Black Cats starlet leads out young Lions to big victory
RIGG MAKES TWO GOALS AS ENGLAND U17S WIN 5-1
SUNDERLAND teenager Chris Rigg led England U17s to victory in a 5-1 demolition of Northern Ireland on Wednesday.
The 16-year-old’s impressive international credentials are continuing to soar as he represents the nation’s youth team with confidence since appearing for the Young Lions at the U17 World Cup in Indonesia back in November.
He made two goals as England, competing in the UEFA U17 Euro Championship qualifying games, overcame the Irish, with games against Hungary and France to come. All the games are being played at the England Headquarters, St George’s Park, in Burton-on-trent.
Rigg has attracted interest from a host of clubs already and there will be a clamour for his signature in the summer, even though the Black Cats hierarchy are keen to sign him once he has turned 17 in midjune. He is understood to have already been offered a deal.
Although dominating possession in the early stages against Northern Ireland, England conceded after just 18 minutes, as Callum Burnside found the back of the net for the visitors.
But a clever finish from striker Divine Mukasa (Man City) found the equaliser for England to make it 1-1 going into the interval.
The second half began a more even affair, before five minutes of magic for Greg Lincoln’s side saw Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri slot a left-footed finish in off the post.
Then came a brace from debutant Baylee Dipepa of Port Vale, who came on as a substitute and scored twice in nine minutes.
With just two minutes remaining, a goalkeeping error from a free kick just outside the box meant Mukasa earned himself his second of the day, and England’s fifth, as they made it a convincing win against their rivals from over the sea.
Rigg’s first assist came in the 63rd minute when he played a pass towards the edge of the Northern Ireland box, finding the left foot of Nwaneri, who made no mistake with a classy finish.
He had another influential game.
At the age of 15 years and 203 days, back in January 2023, Rigg became the second youngest player in Sunderland’s history, as well as the third youngest player in FA Cup history. He is also Sunderland’s youngest ever outfield player and FA Cup player.
On March 5, he made his first start for Sunderland in the 1-0 home defeat to Leicester City – another milestone in the youngster’s incredible career so far.
England remain unbeaten against their opponents in Euro qualifying as they look forward to their next encounter against Hungary, tomorrow.