Shumaira Mheuka has taken another significant step in his development after making his England Under-20 debut during a 3-1 victory over Italy. The attacker joined Celtic on a season long loan from Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea as he looks to continue his progression.
Mheuka is clearly highly rated by the Chelsea hierarchy and he has been rewarded with a call-up and start to the England U20’s squad. The Celtic striker was introduced after 71 minutes, replacing Harrison Armstrong as England opened their U20 Elite League campaign with an impressive win.
It represents another landmark for the highly-rated forward following his emergence into Martin O’Neill’s senior plans at Celtic. Mheuka was recruited to play as a third striker behind Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran and fight Callum Osmand for minutes.
Mheuka has been asked to shoulder considerable responsibility at Parkhead despite still being in the formative stages of his career, with the youngster already exposed to major domestic and European fixtures. His elevation to England’s Under-20 set-up provides further evidence of his growing reputation.
Mheuka has the stature, speed and attitude that could see him go to the top of the game. Chelsea will be hoping that the time at Celtic is beneficial to Mheuka’s development into becoming a top talent. The intensity of Celtic and Scottish football generally will help develop the player, if he is willing to work hard and take the opportunities that come along.
There remains a requirement for patience around a player still learning senior football, but regular involvement at international level should provide another valuable element to his development.
