Young defender Harry Amass is part of the England Under-16 squad taking part in a UEFA Development Tournament in Cyprus this week.

The 15-year-old left-back came to prominence this season when he was named on the bench by head coach Slaven Bilic for Watford’s FA Cup Third Round tie with Reading in January.

Amass also started in Watford’s Fourth Round and Fifth Round FA Youth Cup ties against Everton and Arsenal at Vicarage Road.

The defender already had seven Under-16 caps before this tournament, starting four times and making three substitute appearances during 2022.

England started their tournament yesterday against hosts Cyprus, beating them 3-0 in the Kouklia Community Stadium in Paphos. Denmark beat Scotland 3-1 in the day’s other game.

England face Scotland tomorrow (Thursday) at the Geroskipou Municipality Stadium in Paphos, and then complete their games on Sunday when they take on Denmark in the same venue.

Watford’s Academy Director Richard Johnson, who is flying out to Cyprus to watch Amass in action against Scotland, said: “Harry has done really well and has become a regular in his age group for England.

“It’s a tremendous achievement for him and, following on from Academy players breaking into the first team and the Under-18s performing so well in the FA Youth Cup, it’s another sign we are heading in the right direction.”

Over the past 10 years, more than 200 of these UEFA Development tournaments (each involving four teams) have been staged across Europe and beyond, with the likes of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden among previous participants.

Specific rules are in place to emphasise the development of the players rather the competition itself. For instance, there is a minimum playing time for each player and in case of a draw, there is a penalty shootout, a pressurised exercise that the players might face at Under-17 level.

Development coaches can test their players against new systems and styles of football, with match results secondary to the experience. The four participating team coaches also meet with technical experts to exchange ideas and best practices.

Young referees gain international experience, easing their path into the senior game, and there is also opportunity for some of Europe's smaller national associations to gain experience of event and tournament organisation.

• Two of Watford’s young professionals have joined non-league clubs on work experience loans to gain a taste of senior football.

Striker Damani Hunter, 18, has moved to Isthmian League North Division side Grays Athletic until the end of April.

The Essex side are battling for promotion, and Hunter goes into the squad for Saturday’s derby with Tilbury.

Another 18-year-old, midfielder Ethan Goulding, has joined Oxhey Jets of the Combined Counties League Premier Division North, and will be with the local side until the end of April.

Goulding made his debut as an early substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Burnham, and then started last night’s 2-1 victory at North Greenford United.

Jets are currently bottom of the league but those four points have lifted them to within touching distance of the teams above them.