Holland: 'One on one with the full-back is my perfect place'

The England Under-17s winger is part of John Peacock’s squad at the European Championship in Bulgaria, and their victory over Republic of Ireland on Wednesday secured them a quarter-final spot against Russia on Saturday.

Holland has been a key member of the Young Lions squad throughout qualifying and has started twice at the tournament, and he believes the performances he is producing is down to the faith shown in him by the head coach and his assistant Steve Cooper.

"I believe that John and Steve have a lot of confidence in me. They have a lot of experience and they have definitely helped me improve," he told TheFA.com.

"They’ve spoke to me a lot about mixing up my game, going both inside and out, and that’s what I’ve tried to do. Our two strikers are very big and physical, so I’ve tried to create chances for them. I’m more of a creator than a finisher, but I always believe I can weigh in with a goal or two."

And it is when he picks up possession out wide that he feels he really comes into his own.

"I feel it’s my perfect place when I’m one-on-one with a full back," he said. 

"I believe that whoever I come up against, I can cause them problems. Whether it’s switching it inside and getting round them for a return or using my pace and technique to get round them, I’m confident I can create something for the team."

'Team' has been very much the in-word at the squad’s base since their arrival in Pomorie. And it is those team ethics that have developed within the side that is driving England on in their quest for Euro glory.

"We’re building as a team and all feel together at the moment," added Holland.

Nathan Holland

"Every minute of the games out here is important, there’s no let up, so we have to stick together and keep encouraging and working for each other."

Looking forward to the crunch last-eight clash in 48 hours, he added: "It’s something completely new to me and a lot of the lads to be playing them.

"But this is what the Euros are all about, and it’s whether we can be up for the test.

"We think they’ll be physical and very hard working. They are a good team but so are we. We are full of confidence going into it and we’ll be doing everything for each other to try and get into the semis."

England versus Russia on Saturday, kick-off 2pm, will be shown live on Eurosport.

Follow @England on Twitter for all the latest news from the Young Lions camp.