England

v

Germany

 

 

 

UEFA European U21 Championship Play-Off first leg
8pm, Friday 6 October 2006
Ricoh Arena, Coventry City FC
Live on Sky Sports

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As England Under-21s Coach Peter Taylor gears up for the first part of a play-off showdown with Germany tonight, he believes that Theo Walcott could play a big part in helping the Three Lions reach Holland next summer.

With a UEFA European Under-21 Championship place at stake, Taylor's looking to avoid the same fate that befell his team eleven months ago, when France knocked them out at the play-off stage and hopes the 17-year-old can continue his scoring run for England.

"He's played two games for us and has scored two goals, the second was a goal of real quality," Taylor said.

"He's capable, he's an outstanding lad and has mixed in very quickly - all the other lads like him.

"He looks incredibly quick and strong, so he has a great chance. As a lad, I haven't been surprised. It's nice to work with someone of that ability. He looks an outstanding talent and an outstanding lad."

Preston North End forward David Nugent has also looked sharp in an England jersey, scoring in the two qualifiers against Moldova and Switzerland like Walcott. And with two players in goalscoring form, Taylor believes England have every chance overcoming Germany over the two legs in Coventry tonight and in Leverkusen on Tuesday.

"In any team you need regular confident goalscorers and to have David and Theo scoring in the first two games," said Taylor.

"If it happens again then they’ll only get more confident."

He added: "I’m pleased that the lads have the opportunity to play-off against Germany to try and qualify for the tournament as they showed tremendous character in the two qualifying matches."

"If the crowd at Coventry gets behind us then it should be a good night for all of us."

Though tickets have all been sold, you can also follow the action on TheFA.com or watch live coverage on Sky Sports.