Lewis Orford provides exactly what West Ham United need as international footage emerges
West Ham United would love a stroke of luck similar to the one which saw Lewis Orford score for England Under-19’s against Bulgaria.
The Next Wave posted a video on X (16 November), showing Orford popping up to tap home from close range after Samuel Amo-Ameyaw’s curling effort was saved just before half-time.
Orford’s finish from just yards out, which looked easier to score than miss, proved to be the winning goal for the Young Lions, securing them a spot in the elite round of UEFA Euro Under-19’s qualifying.
The 18-year-old midfielder providing an unsuspecting winner is exactly what the Hammers first-team has lacked so far this season, and that could pave the way for Orford to make his way back in.
Lewis Orford can give West Ham a new dimension in midfield
It’s no secret that the Irons have struggled with a largely dysfunctional midfield setup so far this season, with its lack of bite and mobility highlighted as a key failing of their summer recruitment.
How refreshing it must be, therefore, for Hammers fans and Julen Lopetegui to see a midfielder on their books popping up in the box, being in the right place at the right time to score a simple tap-in.
Orford is a player rated highly in the England youth ranks, having been given the captain’s armband on his debut for the side, providing another suggestion he’s ready to make the step up.
With Guido Rodriguez and Edson Alvarez being slammed for passive play and indiscipline respectively, Lopetegui could have a ready-made solution to his midfield dilemma in the form of Orford.
It remains to be seen when the England youngster is given his chance at the London Stadium, but with few signs of improvement coming at first-team level, it should be sooner rather than later.
In other West Ham news, Troy Deeney piled pressure on Tim Steidten with his assessment of the club’s business over the summer.
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