England lively for Lithuania
Jamie Bradbury
Sunday, 05 September, 2010
Stuart Pearce's side enjoy energetic training session in Essex.
Click here for ticket details for England v Lithuania
England's Under-21s were back on the training pitch in Essex on Sunday morning ahead of their final Euro 2011 Group Nine qualifier against Lithuania.
Tickets for the must-win game at Colchester United's Weston Homes Community Stadium on Tuesday afternoon (4pm) are still available and fans are being urged to turn out in force to get behind the Young Lions.
Stuart Pearce's men now have a much clearer picture of what is required from the game if they are to reach the play-offs for Denmark after victory over Portugal on Friday.
With group rivals Greece beating Macedonia on Saturday, they have clinched their place as group winners, so England are playing for one of four best placed runners-up slots. It's currently looking like a race between six nations for the four berths; England needing to pick up maximum points on Tuesday to stay in contention.
And on Sunday, the players looked up for the challenge as they enjoyed a fast-paced and lively session. Coach Stuart Pearce also took part as they worked on passing and movement and patterns of play.
Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Alex Smithies was involved too, after meeting up with the squad on Saturday following his side's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in League One.
The morning wrapped up with a competitive small-sided game with Pearce's 'bibs' beating the 'shirts' 4-2. Friday night's match-winner Daniel Sturridge scored one of the goals with a stunning first-time left-footed drive on the turn, sending it into the roof of Jason Steele's goal.
On Sunday afternoon, the team headed off to Colchester's Army Barracks, and we'll have a full report of the day's events here and on FATV later.
Tickets for the match at Colchester United are available from via the Colchester United Ticket Office in person, on 0845 437 9089, via the club’s ticket website www.colutickets.com , or from the club’s town centre shop U’s Central on Sir Isaac’s Walk, Colchester.
A discount applies for groups of 15 or more, with prices reduced to £5 (adults) and £2.50 (concessions). For more information call 0845 437 9089, or e-mail ticketing@colchesterunited.net