England under-19s chief admits Portsmouth's Haji Mnoga on international radar

In December, the Three Lions’ under-19s head coach was at Whaddon Road as the Pompey youngster netted in a Papa John’s Trophy victory.

Foster, of course, needs no introduction to Mnoga, having been present when he made his England under-17s bow in February 2019.

The former Blues first-team coach has continued to monitor the defender’s progress, hence his attendance at Cheltenham.

That proved to be the seventh – and most recent – appearance of Mnoga’s Blues season, yet he continues to be around the squad.

And Foster hasn’t ruled out further England age group recognition for the 18-year-old.

He told The News: ‘Haji was somebody who came to Pinatar in Spain with the under-17s two years ago this month.

‘You could see clearly that he is an early developer. Physically, he is a monster of a boy and it’s great he’s getting some first-team minutes at Pompey this season.

‘There’s a huge talent identification programme, a plethora of scouts at the FA constantly updating coaches on performances, so we try not to miss a player who is playing well.

‘It’s not just about the highest level, it’s right through the divisions. The better the reports they get, the coaches will then travel out and see the players.

‘It’s very, very difficult for any player to be selected for England, which is why they should be immensely proud when they are.

‘The talent emerging across the country is vast, but Haji has had an opportunity and could potentially get one again.

‘We are always open minded about the level of performances and hopefully Haji kicks on and shows everyone what he is capable of doing.

‘It does him no harm scoring at Cheltenham when I was there. It was a great finish as well.’

Mnoga was handed his maiden England call-up in February 2019, when he linked up with Steve Cooper’s squad for two games in Spain.

He was an used substitute in a 3-1 triumph over France at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia.

However, the defender was presented with a starting spot in the following match, facing Hungary in a goalless draw.

Mnoga has not featured since, yet Foster retains an interest.

Pompey’s former first-team coach under Paul Cook added: ‘It’s a really unique year this year.

‘At the moment, my under-19s is the only team we’ve got in a competitive tournament below the under-21s.

‘The under-20 World Cup has been cancelled, as have the under-17 Euros, which is a shame. Hopefully the under-19s Euros will go ahead.

‘There’s a lot of young players in the pathway at the moment who would really benefit from that tournament experience.’

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