International watch: Freeman on target for England under-16s

January signing Luke Freeman was on the scoresheet for England u-16s this evening as they saw off Japan 3-1 in their opening game of the Montiagu Tournament. Freeman, playing in midfield for the Three Lions, scored England’s third after goals from Jose Baxter and Ezekiel Fryers put them 2-0 up. England’s next game is against Germany tomorrow.

The full breakdown of Arsenal players’ participation is as follows:

Luke Freeman- played 69 minutes before being replaced by Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, scored 1 goal

Emmanuel Frimpong- played 90 minutes

Oliver Nicholas- played 90 minutes

Sam Byles- played 72 minutes before being replaced by Keanu Marsh-Brown

Match report: Arsenal reserves 2 Portsmouth 0

Arsenal saw off Portsmouth 2-0 at Westleigh Park this evening, thanks to a Rhys Murphy strike and a penalty from Nacer Barazite.

Arsenal started with the following formation:

——————–Fabianski———————-

-Rodgers——–G.Hoyte—–Nordtveit——–Steer

-Ogogo———Dunne——-Djourou———-Barazite

————-Murphy————-Fonte

It was a much improved performance from Neil Banfield’s side against a Portsmouth team that included David Nugent in their line up. Murphy struck on 41 minutes from five yards out, whilst Barazite’s goal coming from the penalty spot.

You can read a full report here.

MAN OF THE MATCH- Nacer Barazite- Got on the scoresheet and worked hard for the team

Reserves v Portsmouth- Match preview

Djourou: In action

MATCH BACKGROUND

The Reserves return to action tonight as they face Portsmouth at Westleigh Park. Their last game was a 2-1 win in a friendly against Colorado Rapids, whilst their last competitive game was a 1-1 draw with Reading towards the end of last month.

THE TABLE

Arsenal are currently 6th but that’s a decent achievement considering the age of their side compared to the teams they have faced.

THE TEAM

Henri Lansbury (glandular fever) and Sanchez Watt are out. Luke Freeman is on international duty. Lukasz Fabianski and Johan Djourou both start, whilst Gavin Hoyte, James Dunne and Rene Steer are all recalled.

Confirmed team:

—————Fabianski—————

Rodgers——Nordtveit——-Djourou—-Steer

Ogogo——–Dunne—-G.Hoyte—–Murphy

———Fonte———Barazite

subs: Mannone, Eastmond, Ayling, Rasmussen, Evina

THE OPPONENTS

Portsmouth currently lie in 8th place, but they often field strong, physical sides. Tonight they field David Nugent and Sean Davis as well as former Arsenal schoolboy Andre Blackman.

OTHER NEWS

Mark Randall talks about life at Burnley, and Theo Walcott has been left out of the England under-21 squad to face Poland. He could be named in Fabio Capello’s 30 man provisional squad for next week’s friendly with France.

For those following the FA Youth Cup, Chelsea take on Aston Villa in the semi-final 2nd leg tonight, with the winners facing Manchester City in the final.

England under-16s are also in action tonight, with Emmanuel Frimpong, Luke Freeman, Oliver Nicholas and Sam Byles all likely to feature against Japan.