England’s loss is looking very much like Wales’ gain with regards to Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu put in a man-of-the-match performance against the Republic of Ireland last week and looks like a real superstar in the making.
The Chelsea teenager was eligible to represent several international teams; with England, Wales, Ireland and Ghana all options for Ampadu.
England turned down the chance to call Ampadu up to their senior squad, despite the prospect lining out for the Three Lions at U16 level.
And the reason for England’s rejection is a touch on the harsh side, as Ampadu’s former manager at Exeter City, Paul Tisdale, revealed that his star player was not called up because he was believed to take too few touches of the ball.
“I phoned England, very relevant people, to say you have to get hold of this chap,” Tisdale told BBC 5 Live.
“I haven’t seen a 14-year-old as good as Ethan, but I was told he takes too few touches. They were looking for players who want to take more touches, but that is his strength, he does things in one touch or two touches and sees things early.
“I was told they had better, 12 players better, and they were aware of Ethan, but I told them he thinks correctly, acts correctly and makes good decisions.”
With his 18th birthday approaching, Ampadu has been showered with praise by none other than the legendary Ryan Giggs.
“Ethan is a talent, not only as a player, but as a person. He is so measured and mature and takes it all in his stride,” Ampadu’s international manager said of the youngster.
“He’ll be a magnificent player. I am really pleased for him.”
Ampadu made his debut for Chelsea last season after his move from Exeter but has yet to feature for new Blues boss, Maurizio Sarri.
