England Hat-Trick For LCFC Schoolboy

Ndukwu’s hat-trick sent the Young Lions 3-0 up on the night in Paphos, while Spurs striker Marcus Edwards made sure of the points with a fourth on the hour mark before Cyprus sub Michalis Papakonstantinou netted a late consolation for the hosts. 

Speaking to the FA.com afterwards, a proud Ndukwu said: "I can’t really describe it, there’s no better feeling than scoring a goal. 

"I’m so proud to score my first hat-trick for England – and it’s my first of the season. It came at a good time and I’m just happy it’s helped us to get the three points. 

"I was pleased with the header – although I’m still trying to improve it. "But the last goal was my favourite. James Yates played it through between the full-back and centre-half, I’ve run onto it and dropped it back and finished it [at the] near post.

"I should have had four though. Jacob Maddox went through and played it to me on the edge of the box, I saw the 'keeper wasn’t in his goal but they had two players on the line. I knew I couldn’t get it in if I hit it low, so I went for the top corner – I was gutted when it hit the bar." 

City’s 16-year-old star showed his versatility by playing out of position in a striking role on the night due to injuries, but was happy to do so for the team. 

The youngster added: "The thing is I’m not a striker, but if I get played there then I’ll do a job. 

"I’d love to keep on scoring, but firstly I’ve got to try and ensure I stay in the team and that we qualify for the European Championship." 

"I usually play out on the left wing, but I don’t mind playing up front.

"I’d been training well, and I scored a lot in our first training session and I said that I’d be happy to play that position.”