Ticket Hotline: 0191 5515151


He said: "The under-21 side are very important to the success of the senior team. Just look at the squad which played against Serbia and Montenegro, so many of the players still qualify for the Under-21s and almost all of them have developed their game at that level during their career.

"David Platt has done a very good job since taking over the side half way through the previous qualifying campaign. He did very well in leading the team to the top of the group which qualified for last summer's UEFA U21 finals in Switzerland and it is a credit to him that the several of those players have figured in the senior team this season."

"This time the team are in an extremely tough group, with the likes of Turkey and Portugal up against them. However, they still have a very good chance of qualifying for next year's finals.

"It is a big help to me if England reach the finals of the U21 competition, as this provides very good experience for the younger players and prepares them well for major tournaments with the senior team.

"Therefore, it's very important that they beat Slovakia on Tuesday night. The Stadium of Light is wonderful stadium and with a big crowd supporting England, I'm sure it could give David and the players a great advantage.

"It is an ideal opportunity for those fans who were unable to buy a ticket for the senior game at Middlesbrough the following night to still see an England team in action.

"I know from personal experience just how passionate the North East is about its football, so I'd like to personally call on everyone to get to the game and give their full support to the team and create a fantastic atmosphere."

There are still tickets available for Tuesday night's crucial Euro Qualifier. If you want to see the Under-21s in action and cheer them on in Sunderland, Call the ticket hotline on... 0191 5515151; tickets are priced at £10 for Adults and £5 Juniors