Will Osula Bursts Onto the International Stage with Match-Winning Performance for Denmark U21s
While first-team opportunities at Newcastle United have been limited, Will Osula is starting to show exactly why the club saw so much promise in the young striker. The 21-year-old forward may still be considered a work in progress, but after his dramatic impact at the UEFA Under-21 European Championship, he’s making his name known well beyond Tyneside.
Signed from Sheffield United last summer for a reported £15 million, Osula arrived at St. James’ Park as a raw but highly promising talent. Newcastle’s assistant manager Jason Tindall, who had previously worked with the youngster during a short spell at Bramall Lane, played a key role in bringing him to the club. His belief in Osula’s potential is beginning to pay off.
Though still developing and not yet a regular starter under Eddie Howe, Osula has had flashes of brilliance in black and white. He scored a smart goal in the FA Cup against Bromley and later nodded in his first Premier League goal with a powerful header against Ipswich Town late in the season — moments that hinted at his burgeoning ability.
But on Thursday night, Osula offered his most compelling performance to date — this time on the international stage.
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Osula Steals the Show in Denmark’s U21 Euros Opener
Denmark’s Under-21 side faced a stern test in their opening Group D fixture against Ukraine, and Osula began the game on the bench. When he was introduced in the 69th minute with the score tied at 1-1, it looked like the Danes were gearing up for a final push. Just nine minutes later, however, Ukraine retook the lead, and Denmark were staring at a potential opening-day defeat.
Then came Osula’s moment.
The Newcastle man took the game by the scruff of the neck, first creating an equaliser with a composed cut-back for William Böving, who slotted home from the edge of the area. Moments later, in the 87th minute, Osula turned goal-scorer himself — reacting quickest in the box to stab home the winner from close range. The comeback was complete, and Osula had well and truly announced himself on the European stage.
A VAR check briefly delayed celebrations, but the goal stood, and Denmark claimed all three points in thrilling fashion.
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A Statement Performance That Could Shift His Trajectory
For Osula, this performance wasn’t just a highlight reel moment — it was a statement. He showed maturity, sharp decision-making, and a poacher’s instinct — qualities that could see him earn more starts for Denmark during the remainder of the tournament. With a tough match against the Netherlands looming on Sunday, June 15th, Denmark boss Steffen Højer may now be tempted to hand Osula a starting role.
Newcastle fans, meanwhile, will be watching closely, as this tournament could serve as a springboard for the striker’s club career. If he continues to impress, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn more minutes next season at St. James’ Park — or potentially go out on a high-level loan to accelerate his development.
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Newcastle Well Represented at the U21 Euros
Osula isn’t the only Magpie making waves at the Euros. His Newcastle teammate Tino Livramento started for England U21s in their opener against Czech Republic — a match that kicked off shortly after Osula’s heroics. The exciting full-back, returning to full sharpness after recovering from a long-term injury, is expected to play a key role for Lee Carsley’s side as they defend their European crown.
Former Newcastle academy product Elliot Anderson, now at Nottingham Forest, also started for the Young Lions. With a mix of flair, work rate, and attacking quality, England fans — and some nostalgic Toon supporters — will be hoping both players make an impact in the group stages and beyond.
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What’s Next for Osula?
Osula’s late heroics have undoubtedly raised expectations. Having come off the bench to turn the tide against Ukraine, he will be hoping for a starting berth against the Netherlands — arguably the strongest side in Group D. Denmark will then conclude their group stage against Finland on Wednesday, June 18th, where progression to the knockout stages could be on the line.
Should both England and Denmark top their groups, a potential showdown between Osula and Livramento could only occur in the final — a tantalizing prospect for Newcastle fans eager to see their youth prospects shine on a big stage. If either side finishes second, though, the pair could face off in a high-stakes semifinal.
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A Future Star in the Making
Whether or not Osula starts the next game, he has already made an indelible mark on the tournament. His ability to step up when it matters most, combined with his physical presence and sharp instincts, is exactly what Newcastle hoped to see when they invested in him. The U21 Euros could be his launching pad — not just for international recognition, but for a greater role back in the Premier League.
For now, all eyes will be on him this weekend, as Denmark aim to take another step toward U21 European glory — with a Magpie leading the charge.