VIDEO: Eastick recognises French superiority
Thursday, 10 February, 2011
2-1 defeat to European Champions fair reflection, says Head Coach.
by Matt Phillips
Click here to watch the FATV interview with Brian Eastick
England boss Brian Eastick conceded that the Young Lions lost to a very good France side as preparations for this summer’s U20s FIFA World Cup began with a 2-1 defeat Shrewsbury Town on Wednesday night.
A goal from Watford’s Marvin Sordell had given England the lead after eleven minutes but the visitor’s struck back on 38 minutes thanks to a fine shot from Lyon’s Clement Grenier and his club team-mate, Alexandre Lacazette, clinched the win just after the hour mark.
“They’re European champions at U19 level and started with eight players from that team so it was always going to be a tough ask for us,” Eastick told FATV.
“I hold my hands up and say that 2-1 was probably right on the day. They were very clever with their movement in midfield and for about 20 minutes before half-time we probably had a problem in coping with that.
“But overall we’ve learnt a lot from this game as some of these lads haven’t played international football before and playing against the European champions is always a tough call.”