England v Germany
UEFA European U21 Championship Playoff
8pm, Friday 6 October 2006
Ricoh Arena, Coventry City FC
Tickets Call: 0870 421 1987 Buy Online: www.ccfc.co.uk
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England Under-21s Coach Peter Taylor has called on the fans to get behind his team when they take on Germany at Coventry on Friday night, with a place in the UEFA European U21s Championship Finals at stake.

After sealing qualification from their group with a late win in Switzerland last month, the Three Lions now face a tough two legged play-off and a positive result at the Ricoh Arena would send England off to Leverkusen in high spirits.

“I’m pleased that the lads have the opportunity to face Germany in these play-off games to try and qualify for the UEFA Finals,” said Taylor.

“They showed tremendous character in the two qualifying matches against Moldova and Switzerland.

“In Lucerne last month we knew we had to win. The Swiss were a very, very good team, but we scored two brilliant goals and were able to come back to win the game after they had equalised.

“In some ways we let ourselves down a bit, conceded the two goals, but we carried on and I think we deserved to go through.”

Taylor has added three new players to his squad, which was named last week, including Aston Villa’s young forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, and Taylor is looking forward to seeing him more closely.

The 19-year-old headed a wonderful equaliser to help Martin O’Neill’s team to a 1-1 draw at champions Chelsea on Saturday to make it two goals in two games.

“Agbonlahor looks very exciting. I watched him at the end of last season playing upfront, this season he’s playing wide right, and he looks a good player.

“We’re pleased to have him in the squad and it means we’ve got another pacy forward in the squad.”

With Agbonlahor in the squad along with other Midlands-based players Peter Whittingham and Cameron Jerome, a big crowd is expected. Tickets are going fast, over 24,000 have been sold, and Taylor is hoping a full-house will be there to get behind England.

He’s also looking forward to returning to the Ricoh Arena, where as Hull City’s manager last season, two John Welsh goals gave his team a 2-0 win.

“Last season at Coventry we got a very good result, so hopefully I can get another one on Friday,” he said.

“It’s a lovely stadium with a fantastic pitch and a good atmosphere. The most important thing is that it generates a lot of noise which I think will be important on the night.

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

Tickets are now on sale from the Ricoh Arena ticket office priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (under-16s, Senior Citizens). Call 0870 421 1987 or buy online here...

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