From Florida to Croatia, Tashan Oakley-Boothe insists that England U17s’ drive for success has been two years in the making.
With the Young Lions preparing for their UEFA U17 European Championship semi-final against Turkey in Zapresic tomorrow, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has been central to Steve Cooper's side's progression.
However, Oakley-Boothe has been part of the national set-up since U15 level and like the majority of this current group, their journey together started out in the USA back in December 2015.
Of the 19 players head coach Cooper has at his disposal in Croatia, 11 were part of the England squad that lifted the Nike International Tournament in Lakewood Ranch, Florida with wins over the hosts and Brazil as well as a draw against the Netherlands.
Since then, the Young Lions have won 10 competitive fixtures on the bounce to make the final four of the Euros and book their place at the FIFA U17 World Cup in India.
"The core of this squad were involved in Florida and the togetherness we have has been built from those days," said the 17-year-old.
"That was a great tournament, but then going to difficult places like Bosnia and Romania in qualifying where the pitches were tough makes our achievements, so far, all the more better.
"Momentum in football is important because we're at the stage now where the tournament is getting harder so we have to reflect on those winning experiences from the past and try to take it into the following games.
"Winning 10 games in a row is an incredible achievement because I don't think many teams do that at any level.
"There could be some complacency in the group but we're strong and if we stick together then I don't think any of that will happen."
