Lewis Cook believes he is tailor made for Turkey clash

Sunday 11 May 2014
Lewis Cook in action for England U17s

Lewis Cook wants to build on England U17s' winning start to the European Championship - and says Turkey is his sort of game.

The Leeds United midfielder came off the bench on Friday to help the Young Lions to a 3-0 victory over host nation Malta.

With Holland defeating Turkey in the group's other game, Cook knows that a win for his side on Monday will almost certainly secure a spot in the semi-finals.

But with anything other than victory eliminating them, he knows that the opponents will be giving it everything they have.

Cook said: "It was a great start to the tournament. We needed to get a positive result to get us going.

"We knew had a good chance against Malta, but we didn't get complacent, and we played well and got a few goals."

He continued: "So far in my career it is the biggest match I've ever played in.

"The atmosphere was amazing. I was on the bench, and looking at all the kids with the clappers and singing, it was fantastic.

"Coming on was great for me, I really enjoyed it and it was good to get on the ball."

The tough-tackling Cook says the clash with Turkey will be completely different - but it's a challenge he is relishing.

He added: "I like a midfield battle and I think that's what will be in store when we face Turkey - it'll be my sort of game.

"We've played them twice and both times they were very physical and hard-working - so we need to match that.

"So it's going to be very tough, but I like that type of game, so I can't wait to get out there."

Cook continued: "We know they have to win if they are to get into the semis, so they will come at us. 

"But we know we are through if we win, so we'll be giving it everything to get the three points.

"We can use the experience gained from the final qualifier with Italy. That was tough, but we fought through that and this squad has enough about it to do it again against Turkey."

And Cook, who was raised in Tadcaster, has no plans on returning to England anytime soon.

"We want to go all the way here and it's a lovely island and the weather has been brilliant - I'm not too keen on the Mosquitos though! I've been bitten a few times.

"All the teams are staying at the hotel, so we see them around quite a bit, but our spirit is first-class.

"The lads all seem to be enjoying it too and we want to be here until the end. We know we are here to do a job."

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer