U19s squad in good spirits ahead of Thursday's game with Greece in Tallinn.
By Nicholas Veevers in Tallinn
England U19s had their final preparation for the European Championship semi-final on Wednesday morning, as Noel Blake's squad ready themselves to play Greece in Tallinn on Thursday for a place in Sunday's Final.
The Young Lions' victory against France on Monday evening saw them finish on top of Group B to set-up their semi-final clash and with an afternoon kick-off for the semi-final, this was their final session on the training pitch before the game.
Blake had a full squad participating, with defender Michael Keane back involved after missing the last two group games with a slight groin injury, so he goes into Thursday's match with a full complement of players to select from.
There is a relaxed feel about the group too, with many of these players having already featured in Euro semi-finals before. Ten members of this squad were part of the U17 squad who won the Euro title back in 2010 whilst four of the younger players in the squad featured in the U17 Euro semi-final of 2011 in Serbia and subsequent U17 World Cup in Mexico.
Interestingly, England beat Greece by 1-0 in the group stage of that 2010 U17 campaign, with Ross Barkley scoring a headed winner on that occasion and out of the two squads here in Estonia, there are 22 players who were involved in that game.
Blake has already warned his players that they face an incredibly tough match against Greece, most likely their hardest test of a season which has seen them go 12 games unbeaten so far, but is happy with the mood around his squad.
"The lads are quite relaxed," he revealed.
"They had a day-off on Tuesday, because they've been together a long time now so we gave them a rest from football, but they're in good spirits.
"We've had Michael Keane miss the last two games with a sore groin, so we didn't want to put him at risk after the first game, but he's improved sufficiently and is back training now.
"There are the usual bumps and bruises otherwise, but nothing that will effect selection for the game."
Thursday's game with Greece kicks-off at 2.45pm BST in Tallinn and is live on Eurosport.