Afobe Chasing Michael Owen’s Historic England Record

Arsenal striker Benik Afobe will take to the field for England’s Under 16’s tomorrow evening, knowing a hat-trick would etch his name into The Three Lions record books.

Afobe has three goals from Victory Shield fixtures against Northern Ireland (2) and Wales (1), and should he add to his tally further on Friday night, he can match, or even overtake Michael Owen’s all time record.

A brace would put Benik on 5 overall – matching the Newcastle hit-mans rate – whilst a hat-trick would mean the 15-year-old becomes the leading goalscorer in Victory Shield history. It would be a massive moment for Afobe, who is yet to even establish himself in Steve Bould’s Under 18’s.

Joshua Rees and Chuks Aneke have been dropped from the squad, meaning Afobe is the sole Gunner in the ranks. A point will all but seal the imminent retention of the annual trophy, but the Benik sideshow will spice up a cold evening in Lincoln.

Indeed, it almost seems like it’s ‘meant to be’ as England play their first game in Lincolnshire for 50 years. That record will be broken before kick off, and if the visitors underestimate Benik Afobe, there is no doubt a second could also be dispatched before the night’s over.

Best of luck, Benik

Article By – J.Sanderson

~ by J.Sanderson on November 26, 2008.