JACK FLETCHER’S last-minute strike helped to all but eliminate his own twin brother from the European Under-19s qualifiers.
Darren Fletcher’s sons Jack and Tyler went head-to-head in Lithuania on Tuesday when England thumped Scotland in 4-0 victory to top Group L.
The 18-year-old brothers both star in midfield for Manchester United’s Under-21 side, but are split internationally.
Tyler captains Scotland, while Jack has been a regular feature in the England age groups at St George’s Park for the past two years.
But Jack’s 89th minute goal from inside the penalty box delivered a brutal final blow to his sibling as England‘s resounding win killed the Scots hopes of finishing second in the first-round of qualifying.
Chelsea starlet Shumaira Mheuka, 18, scored twice in five minutes in the first-half before a volley from Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg tripled the scoreline in the 58th minute.
Jack – who has also played left-back for his country this season – was named on the bench alongside Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha.
United loanee Harry Amass was a shoe-in at left-back following his strong season at Sheffield Wednesday, while Carrington full-back Daniel Armer started for the Scots.
Rigg, previously linked with United’s first team last season, skippered the young Lions side, starting in midfield next to Liverpool’s Trey Nyoni.
Jack replaced Rigg with 10 minutes remaining before winning possession from Tyler’s backpass inside the area and slotting home a fourth, with his brother still on the pitch.
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Arsenal‘s 15-year-old whizkidd Max Dowman was named in the XI, which was set-up as a 4-2-3-1 by manager Will Antwi, whose side is yet to concede a goal in their opening three games.
Prem legend Darren – who now manages United’s U18s – earned 80 caps for Scotland during his international career, which spanned from 2003 to 2017.
The Fletcher twins were both originally in the Scotland set-up before Jack was called to the England party for the Football Federations Cup in November 2023.
He later captained England’s U18s.
Jack was promoted to Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad for the 2-2 Premier League draw at Tottenham immediately before the international break amid the short-term injury to Kobbie Mainoo.
England were already through to the next stage before kick-off after victories over Lithuania and Latvia.
With only the top two teams from the group guaranteed to advance, Scotland needed to win after losing 2-1 to Lithuania and drawing 2-2 with Latvia.
The best-third place team across 13 groups will advance to the elite round, but Scotland have just one point.
