England U17s boss Steve Cooper wants his squad to make the most of Euro Finals opportunity

Wednesday 03 May 2017

Steve Cooper has urged his squad to seize the moment ahead of the start of the UEFA U17 European Championship in Croatia.

England’s campaign starts against tournament debutants Norway at Stadium Velika Gorica on Thursday afternoon.

Cooper’s 18-man squad arrived in Zagreb on Sunday and after seeing the Young Lions breeze into the final with an impressive qualifying campaign, the head coach has now called on his players to deliver where it counts.

“My message to the players is to make the most of the opportunity,” he said.

“There’s everything to play for and nothing to fear.

“It’s a privilege to be here and an honour to be representing your country in a major tournament. You might only get one crack at playing in a tournament like this so it’s about recognising that opportunity and getting ready to enjoy it and give it your all. Enjoy it while it lasts.”

The two-time winners are making a record 12th appearance at the U17 finals and sit in Group D alongside Ukraine and the Netherlands.

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“It’s a tough group with good variety,” added Cooper. “Different parts of Europe, different styles and different experiences in every game but that’s what you want from this tournament.

“We want to give players the opportunity to experience something that they don’t usually get as it will help them not just in the short term but also in the long term.

“Whoever you’re playing in the first game of a tournament, it’s always going to be a tough one. Norway have a clear way of playing and that’s easy to see but I think what’s important is that we focus on ourselves and control the controllables.

“We’ll be ready for that game when the whistle goes, that’s for sure.”

By Andy Walker Senior Communications Manager In Zagreb, Croatia

'Seize the moment'