Callum Gribbin keen to continue football education

Monday 01 Sep 2014
Callum Gribbin in action for England against Portugal

Callum Gribbin says he has learnt a lot from his week with England U17s at The FA International Tournament.

The Manchester United youngster played a part in all three of the Young Lions matches against Czech Republic, Portugal and Italy, and he says he is pleased with how he has handled the difficult tests.

"I've learned lot a tactically about the game this week, but I've also learned a lot socially as well," Gribbin told TheFA.com. 

"I didn't know many of the lads here, so I've got to know a lot of new people and managed to develop my game through playing with them.

England line-up v Portugal

England U17s line up to face Portugal

"It's a lot different from club football. All the best players in the country come together, and obviously you're facing the best the other countries have to offer - it's definitely a lot harder than matches I've faced at my club."

Gribbin continued: "You always learn more through playing against better players, and I want to continue pushing on now and try to win a place in the Euro qualifiers."

England suffered a mix set of results, earning a draw before suffering defeat in their second game, but they ended the tournament on Sunday with a thrilling 4-3 win over Italy.

"After falling behind, we showed great character to come back like we did," said the midfielder, who came on as a sub at half-time in the final game. "We did that against Portugal, but we couldn't maintain it on Friday, so it was pleasing to do it against Italy.

“You always learn more through playing against better players”

Callum Gribbin 

"I managed to get an assist too, which is always nice. I was just dribbling and the player hit me, but I managed to pass the ball the KayKay  [Kaylen Hinds] and he finished it well.

"It's hard coming off the bench into a game like that. They really came out at us in the second half and wanted to win the game, and they made it a lot harder than they did in the first-half."

Gribbin added: "I'm pleased we ended the week with a win. It was a good performance and I think we should have had a similar reward in the other matches too."

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer