Tayo Edun's memorable England U17s introduction

Saturday 06 Dec 2014
Edun in action on his England U17s debut against USA
Tayo Edun wants to continue growing bonds with his new international team-mates in 2015. 

The Fulham full-back, who faces an away trip to Reading with the west London club's U18s on Saturday, has just returned from England U17s duty in Florida.

Having been selected for the first time by his country, Edun featured in all three games as the Young Lions recorded a 3-1 defeat to USA, a 2-2 draw with Brazil and a 2-1 win over Australia.

Daniel Wright at England U17s training in Sarasota

England U17s played three games in Sarasota as part of the Nike US Tournament

And despite seeing a mixed bag of results on the pitch, off it Edun has been busy building new-found friendships that he says grew stronger throughout his time in the States.

"It's been a good experience with the team and hopefully I've done enough to be seen again in an England shirt," he told TheFA.com.

"The big difference is you have to make less mistakes at international level and you have to look out for each other a lot more on the pitch.

"I've enjoyed having different team-mates around me and working with a new manager - I've learnt a lot."

When asked if he felt the group had grown stronger as the trip progressed, he added: "I'd agree with that. There's a lot more togetherness from when we first met up and as a team we've done well and got stronger as it went on.

"I didn't know the lads personally beforehand, but I knew of them. There's other lads from London and the rest are from all over the country, so it's been great to be able to develop bonds."

So, having made his England debut and tasted his first victory wearing the Three Lions, Edun had several memorable moments to choose from when asked for his favourite part of the trip.

"The highlight of the week has to be Adam Phillip's last-second goal against Brazil," he said.

“It's been a good experience with the team and hopefully I've done enough to be seen again in an England shirt.”

Tayo Edun 

"It was crazy. Unfortunately for Trent he got sent off, then we conceded two goals in three minutes to go 2-1 down.

"Our heads had gone down a bit, but we came up with something so special. You could tell by our reaction how much it meant to the team."

Prior to departing America, the squad received news of the draw for the Elite Round European Championship qualifiers. John Peacock's youngsters will host Romania, Norway and Slovenia in March as they attempt to secure a spot at next summer's Finals in Bulgaria.

"I've seen the draw and I think it's definitely something that we can do with the team that we have," added Edun.

"I've done as much as I can to be involved in the next two tournaments, and if I'm not, I'm sure those who are will do a really good job."

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer