Woodman looks to bounce back with England against Portugal

Sunday 18 May 2014
Woodman made his first penalty save for England against the Dutch last week
England goalkeeper Freddie Woodman is looking to create another "special moment" as he prepares for the UEFA European U17 Championship semi-final tie against Portugal.

The Newcastle United shot-stopper has impressed in his two appearances at the tournament in Malta so far, but he says defeat in the final group match against Holland last Thursday has left the Young Lions hurting.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with the Portuguese, Woodman said: "Losing to Holland was a big disappointment - but it was a wake-up call and we have to get over it. Since Thursday, the attitude has been first-class and in tournaments like this you need to forget about setbacks and quickly move on.

Portugal U17s v England U17s

UEFA European U17s Championship
Semi-Final
4.45pm, Sunday 18 May 2014
National Stadium, Malta
Live on Eurosport

 


"After the defeat we are hurting, but the games are coming thick and fast and you have to learn from your mistakes and learn from it in your next game. We've been analysing closely what we did wrong and we are determined to get better as a team."

Woodman and his team-mates have had two days to get the Dutch defeat out of their systems, and with a place in the Final at stake, the Young Lions will need to be at their best come kick-off at the National Stadium.

Woodman agreed that it will be the toughest test yet for John Peacock's side - but he says he and the squad are ready to produce the goods.

"It's a really hard game - Portugal have a team packed full of talent," added Woodman. "But I think we have a lot of talented individuals as well and anything can happen in a semi-final.

"With the players we have got, we are feeling confident going into it."

"This will probably be one of the biggest games that I'll ever play in and most of the other lads too - but personally, I love playing in big games.

"I feel that I have performed well in this tournament so far - a clean sheet and my first penalty save for my country - so I'm full of confidence.

"They have been two proud moments for me. To firstly get the clean sheet against Malta and then the way in which we won against Turkey. But to make my first penalty save was something special.

"It is something you dream about. I saw my mum after the game and she asked for my shirt, so it was a really great moment."

And should spot-kicks be required to determine who will face Scotland or Holland in the Final, then Woodman believes he can be England's penalty hero again.

"If it goes to penalties, then I'm always confident," he said. "I'll do everything I can to stop them and try and get in their heads. 

"'Keepers always stand a chance in shoot-outs - anything can happen.

"Before that though, we have 80 minutes to get the win. We don't want it to go to penalties as we want to defeat them in normal time, but if it does come then I guess I've got another chance to show everybody what I'm like at saving penalties."

England v Portugal is live on Eurosport at 4.45pm - follow @FA on Twitter for updates from Malta.

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer in Malta