Acheampong, featuring for the Under-21s for the first time, started at centre-back for the Young Lions while Gittens was deployed off the left flank.

It took 18 minutes for England to break the deadlock at the Ortalıq Stadion. A pass was flighted into the box for forward Divin Mubama, who controlled and laid the ball to Ethan Nwaneri on the edge of the box. The 18-year-old confidently fired home.

A second soon arrived. Tyler Dibling, who previously spent time in the Blues Academy, swung a corner into the area and captain Jobe Bellingham was able to power a header home.

Gittens came close in the second period to getting on the scoresheet via a free-kick. Unfortunately, his effort curled narrowly wide. The winger was replaced with 20 minutes to play, while Acheampong played the full 90 and helped keep a clean sheet on his debut.

At senior level, Blues goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was an unused substitute as Denmark claimed a 3-0 away win against Greece in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

Elsewhere, Academy full-back Harry McGlinchey completed 90 minutes as the Republic of Ireland Under-19s were beaten 4-1 by their counterparts from France in Clairefontaine.

Lyon's Enzo Molebe struck twice for the home side, who added further goals through Zaid Seha of Dunkerque and PSG's Quentin Ndjantou.