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Following Northern Ireland’s crucial 3-1 away win against Luxembourg, the media have been full of praise for Southampton starlet Shea Charles.
Southampton have encountered a new era since Will Still took charge at St Mary’s, and the Saints have been treated to a rare glimmer of optimism.
It has been a topsy-turvy start to the 2025/26 Championship season, with Southampton notching five points in their opening four games.
Aside from the difficulties that Still’s side have faced so far, there is a much clearer play style and identity under the new boss, unlike what Saints supporters had to endure last season in the Premier League.
Away from the South Coast, Southampton have a number of players currently plying their trade for their nation, including Shea Charles, who has been bombarded with praise following a phenomenal showing for Northern Ireland.
What the Northern Irish media have said about Southampton star Shea Charles
Northern Ireland came out as 3-1 victors against Luxembourg in the World Cup qualifiers, which saw Southampton midfielder Shea Charles bag the second goal to put his country back in front.
It was Charles’ first goal for his country, which arrived after his side got off to a quick start after the interval. The ball arrived at the Saints man on the outside of the box, and he then unleashed a ferocious strike that sailed past Luxembourg keeper Anthony Moris.
Following Charles’ superb showing for his country, Southampton’s star was lauded in the Northern Irish press, as the Belfast Telegraph wrote: “The 21-year-old was quiet in the first half. His influence was smothered but 30 seconds into the second half he hammered in his first international goal. His set piece led to Devenny’s goal.”
Belfast Live then suggested that Charles ‘scored at a crucial time and drove the team on’ before handing him a thoroughly deserved 8/10 rating for his performance.
Charles has 28 caps to his name for Northern Ireland at just 21 years old.
How Shea Charles reacted to ‘unbelievable’ Northern Ireland win
Southampton’s Shea Charles was understandably buzzing after playing a crucial part in his side taking a smaller step to World Cup qualification.
Northern Ireland have only ever reached the World Cup three times, with the last time being Mexico ‘86. Nine World Cup’s later, and the chances have improved for Northern Ireland, who were spurred on by Charles, notably.
Reflecting on the performance, via the Belfast Telegraph, Charles said: “It’s unbelievable. It was a good start but it was a tough first half. In the second half we dug in, scored early on and finished off strong.
“I nearly got one in the summer. I’m buzzing and it meant so much. It’s incredible.
“At half-time Michael wanted us to get more pressure on the ball and that showed straight away. They are a good team, but when we pressed higher we forced mistakes.”
Charles will once again be involved with his country on Sunday as they are tested against a beleaguered Germany, which lost on Thursday evening to Slovakia.