Lewis Orford is future West Ham United captain after what he did
Lewis Orford could be a future West Ham United captain in the making having been given the armband for England Under-19s.
COYIrons posted on X (10 October) that Orford skippered the Young Lions in the final 15 minutes of their 2-1 defeat to Portugal, despite the game being his debut for the Under-19s.
Orford had only replaced Kiano Dyer eight minutes earlier to make his bow at the next level up for England's youth sides, but being given the armband shows the midfielder's clear leadership qualities.
The Irons have a long history of players captaining England – including a certain one in 1966 – and Orford doing so at youth level could send a message up the ranks to Julen Lopetegui in East London.
Lewis Orford can force his way into West Ham United first-team
Although the captain's armband can change hands throughout second-half substitutions in many a game, Orford donning it eight minutes into his England Under-19s debut is an impressive achievement.
The midfielder may be yet to make his full first-team debut in claret and blue, but Orford will be keen to force his way into Lopetegui's plans throughout the Spaniard's first season in charge.
Orford became the subject of a long-running transfer saga during the summer window, having been included as a makeweight in the Irons' £32million bid for Aston Villa's Colombian striker Jhon Duran [Sky Sports, 25 July].
However, the Hammers reinforced their commitment to the 18-year-old in the form of a new five-year contract thereafter, showing a clear sign that they see Orford as a player who can make the step up.
It remains to be seen how long it will be before Orford makes his way into the first-team reckoning, but with Lopetegui potentially looking to switch his midfield options, that door could open very soon.