Trevoh Chalobah feeling the magic ahead of Turkey clash

Thursday 27 Aug 2015
England Under-17s captain Trevoh Chalobah ahead of their game at AFC Telford
Trevoh Chalobah admits to feeling anything is possible when he is playing with England due to the "magicians" in the Young Lions attack.

The Chelsea youngster captained the Under-17s to a 3-0 win over Italy in their opening game of the FA International Tournament, building on the success of their last outing together when they clinched the Montaigu title in April.

Steve Cooper’s side face Turkey in their second game of the competition on Friday at Walsall, and Chalobah says confidence is high among the squad ahead of kick-off.

England v Turkey

UEFA U17s International Tournament
7pm, Friday 28 August 2015
Banks's Stadium, Walsall FC
Tickets: £3 adults, £1.50 kids

"As a team I thought we did great against Italy – moving the ball well and we stuck exactly to the game plan the coach gave us," he told TheFA.com.

"Defensively we were good and I felt that gave us the confidence to go and do our thing on the ball further up. We have good players that can retain and keep it, with a number of magicians in the midfield who can get and create things for us.

"It was pleasing to continue that winning form from last season."

The defender continued: "We have really grown together as a team over the last year. I remember our first game in the Victory Shield and we were a bit shaky, but as the season progressed we came together and really grew up.

"We’ve been playing together a while now, all have good relationships and we have a connection on the pitch.

"Winning is a good feeling and we just want to carry that on, just as we showed against Italy."

With Portugal defeating Turkey by 2-0, England sit top of the group on goal difference as they head into their second round of matches.

And with over 2000 fans backing them at AFC Telford two days ago, Chalobah is hoping for an equally good backing to spur them to victory over Turkey – setting up a potential winner-takes-all clash against the Portuguese on Sunday.

Older brother Nat is an England U21s international

Older brother Nat is an England U21s international

"It’s my first time at Walsall, and we hope there will be another good crowd," he added. 

"It’s great to have the fans with us and it gives all the lads a good feeling. I thought it gave us a bit of an edge against Italy, and it does give you a bit more confidence on the ball."

This week’s tournament acts as warm-up for next month’s European Championship Qualifiers.

It is a competition the Chalobah family has history in, with Trevoh’s older brother Nat winning the tournament with John Peacock’s Young Lions in 2010.

And the elder sibling, now part of Gareth Southgate's Under-21 squad, has been passing on some advice to the youngster. 

"Hopefully I can do the same as my brother," he admitted. 

"He did well and played at a young age. He has given me a bit of a advice. He’s told me that a lot of people will be watching but once you get going it is a great experience and just to enjoy it all."

Tickets for this evening's game between England and Italy are available on the gate at just £3 adults and £1.50 for under-16s.

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer at St. George's Park