Euro-winning skipper lauds former Under-17s boss

The Everton midfielder was captain of Head Coach Peacock’s Young Lions last season as they went to secure Euro glory, defeating Holland last May to become champions of Europe – the second time the boss has won the competition.

Peacock and this year’s age group assemble at St. George’s Park on Sunday to begin preparations for their upcoming Elite Round Qualifiers against Norway, Slovenia and Romania, with a top two finish in the group earning a spot at the showpiece tournament in Bulgaria this May.

17-year-old Ledson has moved up the ladder with England, now captaining Neil Dewsnip’s U18 side, but he has fond memories of and great belief in his former international manager.

“I loved every minute of playing under John,” he told TheFA.com.

“He’s a great coach and manager, he’s always done well whenever he has taken a team to the finals.

“John has won two European Championships, which shows in itself how good he is, and all the staff behind him are brilliant too. From the doc, the physio, the analysts and the coaches, it is always a real good togetherness under him and he brings that out of everyone.

John Peacock is a two-time Euro winner

“I wish him all the very best and would love to see him win it for a third time.”

Ledson, who is likely to lead out the U18s in their clash against Switzerland later this month, skippered the side that went and won all three games against host nation Czech Republic, Albania and Italy in the same stage of qualification twelve months ago.

And if this year’s U17s can repeat that feat with the backing of a raucous home crowd, then that can kick-start another march to glory according to the Liverpool-born tough-tackler.

“The Elite Rounds last year, for me, was the point where I started to really think we would win the whole tournament,” said Ledson.

“It’s the hardest stage of qualifying, so you need to win your games and make sure you get off to a good start then it gives you momentum going into the finals.

“If you perform, then it shows everyone that England are going to be a good side.

“With it being at home, there should be a real good backing for the lads and hopefully that will ensure that they get through.”

Ledson is one of several members of the Euro-winning squad to make a first-team breakthrough this campaign, making his Everton debut in December, and he believes that the experience gained from playing in an international tournament is vital to any player’s development.

“Everyone wants to play at a tournament for England. Whether it is U17s, U18s, U20s or seniors, it’s what you dream about as a kid,” he added.

Ledson is now captain of England U18s

“And this year’s U17s also have a chance of going to a World Cup, which is a fantastic opportunity.

“I think our group last year would have done well at a World Cup, but it wasn’t to be, but me and all of the U18s squad will be wishing this year’s U17s all the luck in qualifying for the Euros first, then we will be backing them to go all the way and hopefully get to the World Cup too.

“It will be a fantastic experience for them if they represent their country at a tournament. You learn so much and it gives you lessons and memories that you will keep with you throughout your career.”

Tickets for England v Norway (3pm, Saturday 21 March) and their final qualifier against Romania (7pm, Thursday 26 March), both held at Burton Albion, are available online at Burtonalbionfc.co.uk/tickets or by calling 01283 565938.

Tickets for the Young Lions clash with Slovenia, which takes place on Monday 23 March (7pm) at Chesterfield, are available online at Chesterfield-fc.co.uk/tickets or by calling 01246 488232.

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