England icon’s son scores against Germany – and Three Lions love that history is repeating itself

There was a touch of deja-vu about the England Under-17’s recent win over Germany.

The Young Lions produced a spirited comeback against their old rivals, recovering from a goal down to secure a 3-1 victory away from home, with a familiar name getting on the scoresheet.

After Frankfurt youngster Alexander Staff put Germany ahead on eight minutes, Neil Ryan’s side turned the game on its head with two quickfire goals in three second half minutes.

Manchester United’s Kaden Braithwaite equalised for England, firing home after Harry Howell’s cut back broke to him following a mazy run.

Seth Ridgeon then completed the comeback moments later when he dispossessed the German midfield deep in their own half, before running through on goal to produce a smart finish.

But it was the Young Lions’ final goalscorer which has caught the eye of many, as substitute Reigan Heskey sealed the win with 15 minutes remaining, beating the defender before finding the roof of the net.

The 16-year-old forward is the son of former England international Emile Heskey, who also boasts a goal in an away win over Germany.

Back in 2001, the Three Lions’ senior side fought back under similar circumstances to record a famous 5-1 victory in the World Cup qualifiers in Munich.

After falling behind to a Carsten Janker strike after six minutes, Sven Goran-Eriksson’s team responded superbly, and sped into a 4-1 lead through a Michael Owen hat-trick and a Steven Gerrard screamer.

Like his son, Heskey then added the finishing touches to a thumping victory when he slotted home on 74 minutes, sparking wild scenes.

With the classic encounter still fondly remembered as one of the national team’s greatest ever games, England’s social media team wasted no time in reminding fans of the parallels to the Young Lions’ result here.

Sharing the match report on X, the Three Lions’ official account wrote: “An away win in Germany with Heskey on the scoresheet?” followed by a winking emoji.

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Fans clearly appreciated the reference, as they shared their approval in the replies.

One wrote: “3-1! Even Heskey scored,” in reference to the chant created by England fans following the 2001 win.

Another replied: “Brings back memories!!” followed by a GIF of Gerrard volleying home the Three Lions’ second goal that night.

While the young Heskey’s goal may not go down in folklore in quite the same way as his father’s, it was nonetheless important in helping the Young Lions to round off an impressive international break.

The win saw the Under-17s end their three-game trip to Germany unbeaten, having previously thumped Mexico 5-0, before recording a goalless draw against Israel.

Meanwhile for Heskey junior, he will be hoping to carry his form on international duty over into club football.

The young striker currently plays for Manchester City’s Under-18 side, having signed a scholarship at the English champions ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

And it isn’t just his 110-Premier League goal father’s footsteps who he will be looking to follow in, with older brother Jaden also a forward on the books at City.

The 18-year-old elder Heskey sibling penned his first professional deal with the Citizens in Jul 2023, before appearing alongside Reigan in the UEFA Youth League in November of the same year.

With his younger brother scoring that day against Young Boys, his competition debut, the two will be hoping to form a deadly strike partnership for the Sky Blues for years to come.

Jaden also spent time out on Man City’s pre-season tour this summer too, rubbing shoulders with Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland.

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