1 April 2006

VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Ryan Bertrand interview

Left back Ryan Bertrand tells TheFA.com about life with Chelsea, Playstations and his admiration of Ashley Cole.

UEFA European U17 Championship
Elite Qualifying Round
3pm, Saturday 1 April
England v Russia, Scunthorpe United FC
Bulgaria v Italy, Stocksbridge Park Steels FC

Ryan Bertrand admits he gets nervous before big games, so England's left-back can expect a huge dose of butterflies when the Young Three Lions take on Russia on Saturday afternoon.

After draws against Italy and Bulgaria, England need to beat Russia at Scunthorpe and hope Italy fail to beat Bulgaria if John Peacock's men are to qualify for the European Championship in Luxembourg. Both games kick-off at 3pm.

For young Ryan and the rest of his England team-mates, such games are wonderful experience as they climb the football ladder.

One player who has risen to the top of his game is Ashley Cole and it is no surprise, that as a fellow left-back, Ryan models his game on the Arsenal man.

"I'm an attacking left-back," said Ryan, who moved to Chelsea from Gillingham at the start of this season.

"The player I look up to is Ashley Cole. I look to base my game around him. I used to play up front but ended up dropping back and left-back is my position."

Tickets

England matches - £3 adults in advance (£5 on the night) / £1 for U16s/OAPs.

Non-England matches - £3 for adults or £1 for U16s/OAPs on the gate.

Stay with TheFA.com for more exclusive interviews with the stars of tomorrow.