The England Football Association have taken the first steps to beat Nigeria to the services of two promising youngsters on the books of English clubs.

Watford defender James Debayo and Reading midfielder Princewill Ehibhatiomhan were invited to attend an England U15 training camp last month.

While Ehibhatiomhan was invited to camp one, Debayo attended the second camp and was appointed captain of the team.

The list sighted by allnigeriasoccer.com included promising players representing Newcastle United, Sunderland, Manchester City, Stoke, West Brom, Wolves, Birmingham, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Leicester City, Reading, Watford, Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

The likes of Ajibola Alese, Joshua Oluwayemi, Kelechi Chibueze and Daniel Jinadu represented England at U15 level before earning promotion to the higher age groups.

Six Nigeria-eligible players including Ovie Ejaria, Dominic Solanke, Josh Onomah, Sheyi Ojo, Ademola Lookman and Fikayo Tomori were in the England side that won the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel