Harrison Reed admits it is no surprise that England U20s have such a strong team spirit under head coach Aidy Boothroyd.
The Young Lions go into Wednesday night’s match against Canada in Bournemouth unbeaten this season, having already defeated Germany, Holland and Romania and drawn with Turkey – and the Southampton midfielder says confidence could not be higher.
England v Canada
U20s International match
Goldsands Stadium, Bournemouth
7.30pm Wednesday 12 November 2014
tickets.afcbdirect.co.uk
But Reed says that Boothroyd and the squad have put plenty of thought into what happens when things do not go their way.
“Aidy is trying to prepare us for tournament football, and get us to stick together as a squad,” said the 19-year-old.
“He tries to room you with people who you wouldn’t necessarily know which is good as it gets you out of your comfort zone.
“Sticking together helps you get to know the system in which you are playing and that you get to know the coach, because you’re not together very long.
Aidy Boothroyd is unbeaten as England U20s head coach
“If you play tournaments that kind of thing becomes really important – so if you lose a game you can get back to your hotel and regroup and look to your mates for help.”
England’s meeting with Canada and then trip to face Portugal in Coimbra next Tuesday are designed to mimic the international double-headers played by the Under-21s and Senior squads.
However Reed says that training together as a squad has just as much value, and that he has enjoyed working with Boothroyd.
“He’s very good. He wants us to play attractive, passing football which all the boys want to do,” Reed said.
Harrison Reed in action for Southampton
“Aidy has helped us try out different styles of football and different formations, and I think that’s really important.
“We had to adapt in the Germany game [in the Four Nations Tournament when England won 1-0].
“He gives us tasks when we’re away with England which really help us to understand the way he wants us to play.”
Sussex boy Reed hopes he will enjoy a little more home support than usual for tonight’s fixture on the south coast.
His current home is a trip across the New Forest in Southampton, and while his family will travel west from Worthing, he expects to see a few mates in the crowd too.
“My family come to all my England games. They came to Holland to watch the Four Nations Tournament which I think is important because they have supported me throughout the years, taking me to training on week nights.
“I’m sure I will get a few friends down here. A lot of my friends are at Uni at Southampton so I’ve asked for a few more tickets than normal. “
Harrison Reed talks about his footballing hero, his own style of play, and the squad’s social media habits in the matchday programme for Wednesday night’s match.
You can still buy tickets for England v Canada at Goldsands Stadium, with seats priced between £1 and £8.
Click here to get yours.
