Social media-friendly Chelsea supporters sent some lovely messages to Harvey Vale following his significant achievement on Wednesday.
Vale was named captain of England’s Under-19s side for the recent international friendly against France.
Ian Foster’s young Lions succumbed to a 3-1 defeat, with Manchester United’s Shola Shoretire grabbing the consolation goal.
Despite the disappointing result, the day will live long in Vale’s memory.
In the grand scheme of things, only a small pool of players have led their country out into battle.
An accolade the teenager can now hold close to his heart.
As can Chelsea fans, who celebrated the striker’s accomplishment in typically enthusiastic fashion.
Here’s how they reacted on Twitter:
Vale’s value
Although captaining England is a memorable moment, being named skipper is nothing new to Vale.
On a couple of occasions this season, he’s worn the armband for Chelsea’s Under-19 team.
He did so against Juventus in the recent Champions League loss and at home to Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League 2.
Centre-forwards are not often named chief of the pack.
Harry Kane is a modern example of a no.9 being put in charge of his national team on the pitch.
Wayne Rooney did so before the Tottenham Hotspur talisman.
Robert Lewandowski sits at the head of the table for Poland, as does Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Certainly fine company Vale finds himself in.
Feeling Blue
England honours aside, this campaign has not been a cruise for the Chelsea youngster.
Andy Myers’ youthful Blues have a singular win to their name in the league, a narrow 4-3 victory over Liverpool.
Had Vale not scored five times and provided two assists in eight matches, the situation might be a lot worse.
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