Liam Moore: England primed for Euro challenge

Gareth Southgate’s side have been planning for their trip to Czech Republic since last October, when Moore was one of the scorers in the play-off victory over Croatia.

And after meeting up to begin their final preparations for the Euros last week, the Leicester City defender says the level of training has intensified as the competition draws nearer.

"It’s been very good, as you would expect," revealed Moore.

"As a core, this group has met up quite a lot. We have had a good few training sessions together now. 

"The lads have been away on holiday but they have all known what is coming and have stayed in top condition. 

"Right from the off it has been sharp. The gaffer has been impressed and the players are pushing each other for the places.

"I think the U21s are so eager to impress and nail down a place so it is very competitive in training. 

"Each of us know the Championships are just around the corner. We are literally in the last week now to nail down a shirt.

"We are really good friends, we spent a lot of time together at the end of last season and there is a lot of banter. But there is also one aim, which is to win. 

"There is no thinking we might just make it through the group stages. We are 100 percent going to this tournament to win it."

Moore is mobbed after scoring the first goal in England's play-off win in Croatia last October

For Moore and a number of his squad-mates, this competition represents their last chance to play for the U21s.

And for the 22-year-old, it was always a big aim to go out on a high during a campaign which saw him start in Leicester’s line-up in the Premier League and end in the Championship on loan with Brentford after an injury in November cost him his place in the Foxes team.  

"It has always been my aim to make it to these Euros," he added. 

"It is my last year eligible to play for the Under-21s and it means a lot to be here and be a part of it.

Moore says the squad spirit is strong in the U21s group

"For a lot of the lads it is the last chance with the U21s. Next up is the seniors and that is a whole different step, so we need to focus now. 

"The senior management will be watching this tournament and we also put pressure on ourselves to do well."

With the squad at Southgate’s disposal for the Euros, Moore believes England can make a major impact on the competition.

But he knows they must show the same sort of attitude and spirit which has been present over the last 18 months.

"It is a really strong squad, I have said that every time I come here," he said.

"I really do fancy this bunch of players to do well. But we all know that it isn’t just about talent, turning up and expecting to win. 

"We have to dig games out and do the right things in games. I believe we have the experience in the squad to do that and go far.

"We have had a lot of media attention but I would say 90 per cent of the lads have tasted Premier League football. 

"They know all the hype that comes with that, all the preparation and the media. So we can’t use that as an excuse. 

"We are all focused and tight-knit, we have worked really hard to be together and that will hold us in good stead."

England face their final warm-up game before the Euros on Thursday night when they play Belarus at Barnsley’s Oakwell. 

Tickets for the game cost just £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Call 0871 2266777 for more details.