Mark Noble Blog

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We're now back in England and being able to see my family again eases the pain of last night's defeat.

Like all of the boys, I'm absolutely gutted about losing to Germany. We came so close to finishing the job we set out to do nearly two years ago.

We were full of confidence and everyone was relaxed and really looking forward to playing in the final.

We started off well, too, and kept the ball but as Germany came into the game more, their goal really lifted them. We still had most of the possession and always felt we could get an equaliser.

Then they got the goal right after half-time and that made it even more difficult. We kept going, really working them. Catts came close twice, one off the bar and the line. Johnno also had a chance cleared off the line and if one of those had gone in, who knows?

The third goal killed us off, just when we were down to ten men with Cranie going off injured, and the fourth was almost the same.

Afterwards in the dressing room, there was just silence, nobody could speak. It was a hard defeat to take, especially as we really believed in ourselves.

Back at the hotel after, we all tried to pick each other up, but it was never going to be easy.

It wasn't the best way to end my time playing with the Under-21s. It's been superb lining up with so many great young players, it certainly bodes well for the future. I hope those from this squad who go on to compete in the next campaign can go that one step further and lift the trophy.

For me, I'll find out tomorrow when I'm back at West Ham for pre-season training, but after almost a whole month away from home, I'm looking to spend some quality time with my girlfriend and daughter.

It was hard being away, but I'm going to make up for it, starting today.

Thanks for reading and getting behind us in the tournament.

Best wishes,

Mark

Become a ‘fan’ of the England Under-21s on our official Facebook page

I woke up this morning a very happy man. Last night was a tough game and we were all really tired and drained after another amazing night.

I thought it was going to be a repeat of two years ago in Holland. Another European Championship semi-final and another penalty shootout. Before the game, Milly had said about him missing out in two different semi-finals, pn penalties, against the hosts and he didn’t want a repeat of that. But when Sweden fought back from three goals down I couldn’t believe it.

I think we did a good job in the first half and our preparation was spot on, scoring three goals from one of our strong areas of the game. We have some powerful players in this team and we can be very dangerous from set-pieces.

After half-time Sweden came out and made it very hard for us and when they got their first goal it really lifted the crowd. They were flying and we should take nothing away from them. To come from three goals down is not easy and they just kept going. But I know it may sound funny, but we never thought that we’d lose, we always had confidence, especially when we went into penalties.

With ten men, the boys did very well to hold on in very tough conditions – it was hot out on the pitch and I know it’s the same for both, but the Swedish players are halfway through their season, where we’re at the end of a very long year.

I wasn’t on the pitch at the end, and it was probably worse for me and the other subs watching the shootout, rather than the players on the pitch. I was nervous, I won’t lie, but the lads lining up ready to take their kicks were relaxed and focused after so much penalty practise.

The Swedish fans tried to make it even harder for us, whistling and booing when one of our boys went up. I didn’t know what to think when Milly slipped and sent the first one into the crowd. He’s such a consistent penalty taker in training and he would have been gutted, but fortunately for him, and the team, Joe Hart made a save straight away to keep us level.

Joe was fantastic, he also smashed his penalty in, and I feel so gutted for him that he’ll be suspended for the Final. He’s worked so hard for us all through qualifying and in the Final, and for him to miss out he must be devastated. I sort of know what he feels like as I would have missed the Final two years ago if we’d made it. But with him, Gabby and Fraizer all out, there’s three more reasons why we want to make sure we win this trophy.

When the last penalty hit the post, it was a great feeling, both mentally and physically. The team dug in and showed their character. Afterwards, the dressing room was quiet as, although we won, we know we can do better. But we’re in the Final on Monday and no one can take that away from us.

We started out nearly two years ago to win the competition and we’re one step away now. There’s still a lot of hard work to do, Germany will definitely not be easy, but we’re a confident team, we have a great spirit and believe that we can achieve what we set out to do.

Next stop, Malmo.

Don't forget! You can follow England’s campaign in the Finals with TheFA.com who will be with the team all the way in the Finals.

You'll also be able keep tabs by following us on Twitter , or become a ‘fan’ of the England Under-21s on our official Facebook page .

Become a ‘fan’ of the England Under-21s on our official Facebook page

I'm really pleased that all of us out here have now had a game and played some part after a good performance against Germany on Monday.

The point is all we needed, we are pleased to have topped the group, and it could have been even better.

I was impressed by the effort of our boys, who are all desperate to play on Friday.

Germany aren't a bad side and troubled us with the early goal, but we responded well. Richard Stearman and Andy Driver did very well down the right hand side and were absolutely knackered when we got back to the hotel. We had dinner when we got back and Stears couldn't even get up after, he was shattered, but put in a very good shift.

I was really pleased with Tonka's display at the back. He passed well, he didn't miss a header and he was composed when he had the ball. But playing with him every week, I expected nothing less, he's a class player.

It was great to see him out there, I would loved to have had a run out with him but the game was about finishing the group unbeaten.

It's given us a few days to prepare for the semi final, which we now know will be in Gothenburg.

Our usual post-match bike ride followed on Tuesday afternoon, which has become a bit of a tradition, while some of the lads sat out on the beach and relaxed in the sun. Tonka and me finished the day off in the gym with a bit of a workout. 

We had a BBQ last night just outside our meal room, just for a change of scenery more than anything.

We're now preparing for Friday, and I can't wait for the game. It's great that we're playing Sweden, the hosts. I'll have some family coming over to watch the game and I hope they can see us get another win and reach the final.

Don't forget! You can follow England’s campaign in the Finals with TheFA.com who will be with the team all the way in the Finals.

You'll also be able keep tabs by following us on Twitter , or become a ‘fan’ of the England Under-21s on our official Facebook page .