'An exciting time'
Friday, 31 July, 2009
Sir Trevor Brooking is hoping the U19s can match the women's success on Sunday.
England U19s became the third representative team to reach the final of their UEFA European Championships on Thursday night and The FA’s Director Of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking is hoping they can follow on from the Women’s U19s side in being crowned as champions this Sunday.
Brian Eastick’s team defeated France in Donetsk to seal their place in the final against hosts Ukraine, which will take place just over a week after Mo Marley’s girls lifted their trophy in Belarus.
And Brooking, who has been with the Young Lions squad in Donetsk for the past week, believes the experience gained by English players at several levels this year can only be beneficial for their further development.
“You always want your teams to get to the tournament stages because that’s where you experience all the quick flurry of games and different styles of play and experience what it’s like,” he said.
“Our U17s reached their European finals, but went out at the group stage which was a little disappointing.
“The Under-21s did well, but perhaps didn’t do themselves justice in the final against Germany and then the girls last week got to the final and won theirs, so it will be fantastic if we could make it a double whammy and win here eight days later.
“It’ll be a tough game because we’re playing the hosts and there will be a big crowd, but that might also help us to get the adrenalin flowing in a good atmosphere.”
Brooking also urged the players in this squad to make the most of the experience and success they’ve enjoyed so far in Ukraine, as occasions such as Thursday’s game and Sunday’s final don’t come around too often in a footballer’s career.
“It has been a great experience out here for all of the players who have responded to the challenge,” added the former England international.
“Whilst they’re young players now, in 15 or 20 years time, when they’re coming towards the end of their careers, they’ll look back on this as a highlight.
“There aren’t many chances to play in semi-finals and finals, so this is something special for them.
“They probably don’t realise now, but not many players get the chance to do it and those who have can still probably count on one hand the number of finals and semi-finals they’ve played in.
“It’s a really exciting time and we just hope we can go on and win it now.”