Gray was called up to Simon Rusk’s Under-19 squad last month but was forced to withdraw due to a minor fitness issue after considerable engagement in the first month of the 2023/24 season. Leeds’ talented youngster, however, received a second call-up earlier this month and made his England U19 debut in Montenegro on Wednesday evening.
The hosts at the DG Football Arena irritated England by keeping the Young Lions’ dynamic attacking talents at bay. Gray played in two different positions during the game, starting in his regular right-sided central midfield role for the first hour and then filling in at right-back for the final 30 minutes.
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The 17-year-old was deployed at right-back by Daniel Farke last weekend as Leeds defeated Bristol City 2-1 at Elland Road. He has played there for England’s Under-17s and Leeds’ Under-21s earlier this year, but it is still a new position for the teenager.
Gray, who was already in charge of set-pieces, was involved in a number of England’s greatest chances on the night, in what turned out to be a heated affair on a tricky, bobbly ground in the Eastern European country.
Shortly before halftime, the Leeds kid curled an attractive free kick into the penalty box, which Brighton and Hove Albion’s Jack Hinshelwood glanced towards goal, but his header was just wide.
Following a hefty challenge near the touchline, Gray was embroiled in an incident with Montenegro’s Stefan Dukanovic after the restart. The couple pushed and shoved each other before the referee and other players intervened, and both boys were given a talking to by the official. Dukanovic was swiftly replaced shortly after.
Gray, on the other hand, played the full 90 minutes in Podgorica, moving over to occupy the right-back spot when Rusk made two substitutions around the hour mark. Gray’s run forward from that position with ten minutes or so remaining created a goalscoring opportunity for second half sub Nathan Lowe, whose low shot was pulled just wide of the post.
Earlier in the day, Leeds teammate Charlie Crew led Wales’ Under-19s to a goalless draw with Austria on an even more difficult pitch at Braa Velaevi Stadium, the surface of which appeared to effect the quality of the game.
Gray and Crew are expected to face off against one other when England takes on Wales on Saturday, October 14.
