Newcastle pair Adam Armstrong and Freddie Woodman ready for biggest game of their lives

Adam Armstrong and Freddie Woodman are preparing for the biggest game of their international careers.
Adam ArmstrongAdam Armstrong
Adam Armstrong

The Newcastle United pair will be in the England side that takes on Spain today – with a place in the summer’s European Under-19 Championships at stake.

Forward Armstrong scored a penalty in the week’s 1-1 draw against Greece, while Woodman was in goal.

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And Aidy Boothroyd’s side must beat hosts Spain tomorrow to progress to the finals in Germany.

The Gazette revealed earlier this month that forward Armstrong, on a season-long loan at League One club Coventry City, would not be recalled by new Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez, despite a shortage of goals at the relegation-threatened club.

And Benitez has explained his decision not to bring the prolific 19-year-old back to Tyneside.

“We will allow him to stay on loan,” said Benitez. “We have players that have to manage the pressure.

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“Maybe it could be fine for him to come back, but you never know and you can’t take any risks.

“I prefer to go with senior players with more experience.”

Armstrong has scored 19 league goals for promotion-chasing Coventry so far this season.

Meanwhile, Woodman – who was recalled from a loan spell at Crawley Town earlier this season in the wake of Tim Krul’s season-ending knee injury – will spend the rest of the season at United.

The Football League’s emergency loan window closed last week.