Lee Holmes is convinced that the attacking qualities in the current team can take them far.

England U19s v Slovakia U19s
7.00pm, Tuesday 28 February 2006
Northampton Town FC

When England take on Northampton at Slovakia tonight in front of a sellout crowd there will be a wealth of senior experience on the young shoulders that will line up against Slovakia

Such is the rapid progression of many of Martin Hunter's young men that some, like Derby County's Lee Holmes, can call upon four years and more than fifty first team appearances.

Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com, Lee told us just how much of an advantage it is to have such vast experience.

He said: "When you come up against older players in senior games for your club, and when you train with them day-in day-out, you learn something new every day.

"So when you come away with England it helps you playing against players your own age, the experience you gain gives you an advantage in that situation.

"You pick up little things that hopefully make you better and add something to your game, and I try to do that whenever I can."

Taking that experience into tonight's game Lee is hoping for an attacking performance that will give the fans something to shout about.

"We have to go in there against Slovakia and hopefully get a positive performance that will give us the confidence going in the qualifiers and hopefully in doing that we will also get a win.

"When you look at the team we have we are all good going forward, we are all looking to get goals, so if we can get it right defensively then we're onto a winner. If we can keep clean sheets then we'll do well because we'll always get a goal from somewhere."

Such is Lee's experience that his debut for England seems a long time ago, but like most young players it was a moment that he will never forget.

"Making my debut was incredible, I got a goal early doors which really settled me down.

"I was 15 at the time and the whole build up was special, getting the call up, finding out you're in the team, going out on the pitch and singing the national anthem is really great and it gives you a little buzz going back to your club. You want to keep working hard and proving yourself at club level so you get that chance again.

"You make really good friendships, I roomed with Matt Mills last year and we became really good mates and that really helps when everyone pull together when they come away with England," Lee added.