New Reading forward Dominic Ballard returns from international duty full of confidence after captaining England Under-19 to a 4-2 win over Switzerland, grabbing himself his first goal in the process.
The 18-year-old joined on loan from Southampton on deadline day after scoring two hattricks in the first three PL2 matches at Under-23 level.
Scoring three goals in three matches for England Under-18s, he made his debut on September 6 in a 1-0 defeat to Germany.
🏴 Dom Ballard scored his first goal for England U19 yesterday, in a 4-2 win over Switzerland.
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) September 10, 2023
Southampton forward also had a dinked finish ruled out for offside, as they concluded their camp in Spain.
Congrats, Dom! 👏#SaintsFC
However, just three days later he was given the captain's armband from the start against Switzerland, scoring one to put the Young Lions 2-1 up after having one ruled out for offside.
Simon Rusk's men went on to win 4-2.
Ballard now returns to Berkshire and will hope to make his club debut against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
Ruben Selles gave the teenager his Southampton debut last season as the Saints were relegated from the Premier League- going on to feature twice for his boyhood club.
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