England's Nathan Delfouneso can't wait to face Bosnia.

England v Bosnia-Herzegovina
UEFA European U19 Championship
Elite Qualifying Round
7pm, Wednesday 27 May 2009
Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster Rovers FC
Ticket Hotline: 01302 762576

England striker Nathan Delfouneso is hoping to fire the Young Lions to European joy this week, as the U19s begin their European Championship Elite Qualifying Round.

Brian Eastick’s side know that if they finish top of their group then they will secure a spot in July’s Finals in Ukraine and be in with a chance of challenging for the title.

The first match sees them up against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Doncaster on Wednesday evening and Aston Villa starlet Delfouneso admits he is raring to go.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he admitted from the team’s Sheffield base.

“It’s always good to get together with the squad and the lads are all ready to go.

“We all want to qualify for the Finals in Ukraine, those are the sort of tournaments that you want to be involved in.

“So hopefully we can start with a win and if I can get some goals, even better.”

Despite still being young enough to play for the U18 side, Delfouneso has been a regular for the U19s this season since his first call-up for the First Qualifying Round in Northern Ireland last November, as well as making a first team breakthrough at Villa Park so it has been an eventful campaign for the 18-year-old.

“I’ve had an interesting season and learnt a lot,” he admitted.

“I’ve had my ups and downs like any player, but it’s been great to have been involved with the U19s this season, and as I’m still an U18 player, that makes me proud to have been involved and able to play against different players from a different age group.

“And I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with the first team at Villa and make a few appearances there so it’s been a good season for me.”