Blake lauds team spirit as U19s prepare for Scotland clash

England are one game into their UEFA Euro 2014 Elite Round qualifying group, and got their campaign off to a perfect start with a resounding 6-0 victory against Montenegro at Walsall.

With just over 48 hours between matchday one and Scotland on matchday two, Blake also said that securing the three points with time to spare against Montenegro allowed his young side to use their energy more sparingly in the latter stages.

“It was a case of managing the game,” said the former Birmingham, Stoke and Leeds United defender. “The game was won and that’s tournament play. You don’t need to use unnecessary energy. 

“Obviously Callum [Robinson] got a goal with less than a minute to go on the clock so there were still moments we were going forward – but with the game won so early there were times when we were able to slow it down a bit too, and that’s managing the game. 

“You don’t need to go chasing when you’re five or six up. We were winning the game, it was a good scoreline – and it was about chasing the tempo and keeping the rhythm going, and I felt they did that in abundance.”

“I don’t know if it’s a case of teaching it, but you certainly have to practice it. We do a session called ‘5 v 3s’ and we put a clock on it and challenge them to keep the ball for two minutes.

“If you lose the ball they can score into small goals – because that’s what the opposition will do, they will counter you. So we practice that a lot. Moving and keeping the ball – and I think this group can do that really well.”

Blake says this group of U19s have a fantastic team spirit

England travel to Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium on Monday evening to take on Scotland.

While Blake said the historic sporting rivalry between the two nations means the Scots should not be underestimated – he also took time to praise the attitude of his U19s group since meeting up at St. George’s Park over a week ago.

“England v Scotland games are always difficult," he added. "There’s always a lot of emotions about so we have to make sure we keep our discipline within that, and ensure we play our normal game – that’s the key for me.

“They’ve been excellent both on and off the field. We’re staying at St. George’s Park which helps as it’s a such a fantastic facility. I said to the players before the first game that I felt their togetherness has been magnificent – now take that onto the field. And in the first game you could see that in abundance.

“We’re one down with two to go. Obviously we’ve analysed it and had a look a few things we could improve on – as there’s always improvements to be made – but the first game is put to bed now and we’re onto the second. 

"Hopefully we can go out and do the same again.”