England Under-20s interim boss Paul Williams says he’s proud to be leading the Young Lions into this week’s mini tournament on home soil.
With opposition from the Netherlands, Germany and USA coming up in Oldham, Huddersfield and Rochdale respectively, Williams and his squad are preparing for Wednesday’s opener against the Dutch.
And having worked with the squad already this term as assistant coach to Aidy Boothroyd before his switch to take the U21s, the former Southampton, Brentford and Nottingham Forest coach is keen to get started.
England Under-20s' fixtures
England v Netherlands
7pm, Wednesday 5 October
Oldham Athletic FC
England v Germany
7pm, Friday 7 October
Huddersfield Town AFC
England v USA
7pm, Monday 10 October
Rochdale AFC
"It’s been great working with Aidy and the U20s this season, so to take on the team for these games over the next few months is a big honour and privilege for me," he said.
"Having worked with the players already this season and with some of them previously, it is a case of us continuing from where we left off last month and working to improve and prepare the lads for these games.
"We have a very talented group of players in the U20s this season, and it’s been fantastic to work with them so far.
"We have an exciting programme of games this season, ultimately leading up to the World Cup at the end of the season and it’s an exciting time to be involved for both them as young footballers and us as staff members."
Williams and his side begin with a game against the Dutch at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park on Wednesday evening, before they face Germany across the border at Huddersfield Town.
And the mini-tournament is rounded off next Monday when they play against USA at Rochdale’s Spotland.
"We have three good games coming up in October and I’m really looking forward to working with the players again as we continue working towards the World Cup next summer," he added.
"The games we had against Brazil were a great test and experience for the lads, and away from the results, I thought the performances were good.
"It was our first camp of the season, so there’s still a long way to go and these next three games will be another step for us as we prepare for next summer."
Tickets for all three games cost just £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions, and are available via the respective club ticket offices. Click here for more information.
