How Liverpool U21s and U18s fared in opening pre-season friendlies

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Liverpool’s young players got their first taste of pre-season action on Saturday, with two matches at the AXA Training Centre offering a mix of tough lessons and good workouts. While the Under-21s fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against non-league side Vauxhall Motors, the Under-18s started their summer with a 2-0 loss to Crewe Alexandra.

Forward Joe Bradshaw missed a close chance just before the half-time whistle, but he made no mistake early in the second half, scoring from close range to make it 1-1. https://t.co/1V46OaGW4Y pic.twitter.com/YeDQiywi6r — Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) July 18, 2026 The young Reds pushed hard for a winning goal late on. O’Connor and Bradshaw both went close, but the match ended level.

Tough defeat for Under-18s On the next pitch, it was a harder start to the summer for Liverpool’s Under-18s. In the second half, Liverpool looked better and created more opportunities.