England coach blown away by Leeds teen Sonny Perkins after international break

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England Under-19’s boss Simon Rusk has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he expects Leeds United teen Sonny Perkins to be a goalscorer in years to come because he has that “instinct” – but needs time to grow into his body.

Perkins, 19, has clocked up three senior outings for Leeds since joining the club last summer from West Ham – of course, scoring an injury-time equaliser against Cardiff City in the FA Cup. He has been superb with the Under-21’s.

He has 10 goals in 18 games, despite largely playing from out wide for the second string. During the break, Perkins played three times for England’s Under-19 side as they looked to qualify for the Under-19 Euros in the summer.

A win over Hungary last week saw Perkins and Darko Gyabi start the match, but a loss to Iceland on Saturday put things in doubt. Indeed, a 2-0 win over Turkey on Tuesday night in Rotherham was not enough for the Under-19’s.

Disappointment for Gyabi, Perkins and Rusk – with six points from a possible nine not enough to secure the only qualifying spot. However, Rusk lauded Perkins when asked about the young Leeds attacker after the 2-0 win.

“Sonny has the most important attribute [for a striker]: he can score goals,” England Under-19 manager Rusk said. “Any forward can smell a chance and Sonny’s got that instinct, he’s still working his game out which is normal.

“He’s still growing into his body and understanding his movements and where chances might present themselves but Sonny’s got a track record of scoring goals. I’m sure his game’s only going to move forwards,” Rusk added.

Rusk expects Leeds teen Perkins to be a goalscorer in years to come

Perkins is a real talent. When Leeds signed him, West Ham fans were up in arms and it is clear to see why. He has been given a chance at senior level and next season, you would expect Perkins will get more of a go in the firsts.

Javi Gracia is yet to use him, preferring to rely on more-experienced members of the side with the Whites desperate to stay in the Premier League. He has made the bench once under Gracia, the 2-0 loss to Fulham in the FA Cup.