Peacock challenges squad

England Under-17 Head Coach John Peacock is prepared to risk the wrath of his players as he bids to lead the young Lions to Euro qualification next month.

Peacock's side flew out to the Algarve this morning as they continue their preparations for March's Euro Qualifiers in Bosnia, and the Head Coach knows his popularity might take a dip when he names his squad for that crucial trip to Eastern Europe.

"They won't all like me when the time comes to make my decision for the squad in March, but that's life," he said.

Peacock can only call on 18 men for the qualifiers, where England will play the hosts, Serbia and Azerbaijan, and the Head Coach has challenged the whole squad to force his hand and ink their name on the flight list.

"It's a great problem for me," insisted Peacock. "The players have to make sure they are in the 18. But I need more than 18 players as the original squad will change with injuries and other commitments. At the moment I have a squad of 25 or 26 that I can call on and I would be happy with.

"There are one or two new faces for the trip to the Algarve, so it's important for them to settle in. We have had five omissions from the original squad a few weeks back. I've told the players that this is the squad we will be working with and that they have the opportunity to press a claim for the qualifiers in March."

Planning for Bosnia begins in earnest on Saturday when England will play Portugal, followed by France and Germany on Sunday and Tuesday.

While Portugal are familiar foe, England have not met France since The Montiagu Tournament in April, which was at Under-16 level, while Germany are a new prospect.

"We beat Portugal in August - that was a convincing win. We then played them when we went to Belgium in October and they must have changed 50 per cent of the squad.

"It was a much different game and a draw was probably a fair result. Normally it's a close encounter when we have played them - both are good teams trying to play football the right way. As we play them first, we want to get off to a good start.

"A lot has been said about the French side and they have a very good history at youth level. They have been European and World Champions at this level. It will be a real test.

"It's a while since we played Germany, I'm really looking forward to it. England v Germany are always special games."

While Peacock wants to win the Algarve Tournament, he can see the bigger picture.

"It would be good to win it and get some confidence for the qualifiers in March, but what I really want is to come out knowing more about the players individually," he said.

"Everyone keeps saying there are no easy games in football now," he explained. "When you look at the draw for Euro qualification, you think we should beat those teams, and I have the confidence that we can, but we have to travel to Bosnia, that will be new territory for us. That brings it's own difficulties.

"We want to do well - the rewards are great. Getting to the Euros is what everyone wants - but so do the other teams."

For reports of England's games in the Algarve, stay with TheFA.com.