Magpies trio star again

By Matthew Jones
October 15 2002

Bramble, Jenas and Ameobi are in the U-21 squad to face Macedonia. The trio impressed against Slovakia - a game which David Platt's England U-21's won 4-0.

David Platt has named his England Under-21 team to face Macedonia on Tuesday night, with Titus Bramble, Jermaine Jenas and Shola Ameobi all in.

The Magpies trio impressed as the England juniors thrashed Slovakia 4-0 away last Friday night, so it is not surprising that Platt has decided to stick with virtually the same side. Only Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland comes back in, with Wolves custodian Matt Murray making way in the latest Euro 2004 qualifier.

Ameobi opened the scoring against the Slovaks and will continue his fruitful partnership alongside Arsenal's Francis Jeffers in attack, with Bramble in defence and Jenas in between the two with his former Nottingham Forest team-mate David Prutton.
The match, at Reading's Madejski Stadium, kicks off at 8pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports.

England (Under-21s): Kirkland (Liverpool), Samuel (Aston Villa), Konchesky (Charlton), Carrick (West Ham), Bramble (Newcastle), Barry (Aston Villa), Prutton (Nott'm For), Jenas (Newcastle), Jeffers (Arsenal), Ameobi (Newcastle), Cole (West Ham).