'A big step up for all of us'
Nicholas Veevers in Ismailia
Tuesday, 29 September, 2009
Defender Ben Mee told the media in Egypt of his and the squad's World Cup experience so far.
England defender Ben Mee feels confident that the Young Lions can pick themselves up from Saturday’s result against Uruguay and bounce back strongly in their last two Group D games.
The squad are currently preparing to face Ghana on Tuesday night, but after putting in a decent performance in their first game, Mee believes the team can only improve further with more game experience.
“The group is gelling together well now, having been together for 12 days,” said the Manchester City man.
“Everyone gets along well and has come together and the banter between the lads is good.
“I think that showed on Saturday and hopefully it will again on Tuesday night and we can do well.”
As one of six players in the squad from Eastlands, Mee admits this has made settling in and working a little smoother for some of the party but the group morale and team work between the remainder of the squad has also been good.
“It makes it easier for me because I know the players very well, but it’s the same for everyone else because we train together and play together,” he added.
“We have all become good friends and whilst it helped me, I think we all had the same advantage.”
Having been part of the U19 squad which qualified for this competition at the European Championship Finals in Czech Republic last year, Mee is also enjoying the experience of playing on the world stage.
There is only Mee and Jason Steele from that squad who have made the trip to Egypt this time but it is something he is sure will help all of the players’ development in the future.
“It’s a big step up and a great experience for every single one of us,” he said.
“To play against teams like Uruguay, Ghana and Uzbekistan is going to help our knowledge of the game and set us in good stead for the future.
“A few of the lads have been away with their clubs and faced different cultures before and it can only help our development.”
The game will be live on Eurosport, kicking-off at 8.30pm.