James Henry has received strong words of praise following a very good performance for Englands under 19s last night.

Henry had a great game on the right wing as the young Lions defeated Russia 3-1 at Milton Keynes.

Members of the press who attended the game have described him as the best player on the pitch, and our Academy Manager Eamonn Dolan told readingfc.co.uk that James was on top form throughout.

Eamonn commented, "I must say that James was an excellent advert for our club on the night. In a team containing many well known young talents, and against a strong Russian team, James played as well as I have seen him in a long, long time, which surprised me as he hasn't had a lot of football in recent weeks.

"England were the better team on the night and James was involved in everything positive and he gave a really top drawer display of wing play by running and commiting defenders and then delivering with his final ball.

"There is no mystery in football and if James plays to this level regularly then he can be successful. If he doesn't give a good image of his play then he won't. The more you progress in the modern game the more accountable you have to be and James is now 18 years of age. On the night he was accountable and it was refreshing to observe."

Alex McCarthy and Hal Robson-Kanu were both on standby for the u19s but were not called up.

Jimmy Kebe played for Mali as they lost 3-2 to France in Paris. Kalifa Cisse was in the squad, but did not make an appearance in the friendly encounter.

Also away at the moment for games tonight are:
Emerse Fae - Cote D'Ivoire
Marcus Hahnemann - USA
Marek Matejovsky - Czech Repubic A
Simon Church - Wales u21s
Jem Karacan - Turkey u19s

Bobby Convey and Adam Federici were on standby for the USA and Australia respectively, but were not called up.