Germany

(0) v (1)

England

 

 

 

UEFA European Under-21 Championship Play-Off second leg
8.15pm (7.15pm BST), Tuesday 10 October 2006
BayerArena, Bayer 04 Leverkusen 
Live on Sky Sports

Listen Live to BBC Radio Five Live commentary, click here
(Windows Media Player required)

Nigel Reo-Coker wants to make up for England missing out in last year's UEFA European Under-21s Championship play-off when he leads the Three Lions out against Germany tonight.

The West Ham United and England Under-21 captain was injured for the play-off last November, which saw a Franck Ribery-inspired French team go to the Finals thanks to a 3-2 aggregate win over Peter Taylor's side.

But eleven months on Reo-Coker is able to lead the team out in Leverkusen, where they take a 1-0 goal advantage from Friday's first leg in Coventry, and he has his eyes set on a place in Holland next summer.

"It was a bitter frustration personally because I wasn't involved in that game, I had to sit and watch it from the stands," he said.

"It was a very hard time for me because I knew how hard the lads had worked to get to that stage. It wasn't enjoyable. It was very painful for me. Now I'm part of this play-off and I just feel I owe it to the boys.

"It's my last year," added the 22-year-old, "and I really don't want another year where we don't qualify and make the finals. It's been too long now.

"But it's not just about reaching the Finals, it's about when you do, making sure you prepare well and try and go on and win the tournament."

Reo-Coker added: "I've got to look after these guys, it's really easy, because I couldn't ask for a nicer group of team-mates.

And Reo-Coker is relishing his role with the captain's armband in a side that he says has a great spirit and the talent to reach their qualification goal.

"I suppose some people might look up to me more because of the responsibilities I have at West Ham and the amount of games I've played but that's all part and parcel of responsibility of being captain. I've got to make sure we're all together as a team and feel comfortable.

"We've got a fantastic atmosphere and so many talented young players, we could do great things with this squad. It's all about team spirit and we've really built something great here."

Reo-Coker also believes that England are in a good position going into tonight's game after a great display on Friday but, with the possibility of away goals coming into play, another goal at the BayArena would further strengthen their cause.

"It was a great result and we worked hard for it. It's been a fantastic result and we've enjoyed every single day since we met up Tuesday and we thoroughly enjoyed the result," he said.

"We've got a slight advantage, and the pyschological advantage that we don't have to come out and win this game tonight but at the same time we are going to go out and try and win. It's just nice to have that advantage over them.

"Peter Taylor realises that and that's what he's been emphasising in the training sessions, that we haven't come here to sit and defend, we've come here to win the game."

You can also follow the action in Leverkusen on TheFA.com or watch live coverage on Sky Sports.