'Molineux is ideal place' for Young Lions to prosper

But one man who can is former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Derek Mountfield – and he believes that his former stomping ground at Molineux is the ideal place for Gareth Southgate’s Young Lions to take their first step to Euro glory against Croatia next week.

Back in 1984, and fresh from winning The FA Cup with Everton, the centre-half was called into Dave Sexton’s England Under-21 squad for the European Championship Final second-leg against Spain.

Having led 1-0 from the first-leg in Seville thanks to a Mel Sterland goal, Mountfield was thrust into action at Bramall Lane as Mark Hateley and Howard Gayle sealed a 2-0 win on the night – securing the trophy for the Young Lions.

"It was a late call-up. We had just played in The FA Cup Final, myself and Gary Stevens on the Saturday, and we got the call on the Monday to get our gear and get down to Sheffield – which we did," Mountfield told TheFA.com.

"I didn’t expect to play, but I got a chance and it was brilliant. It was a typical European team at the time.

"I don’t remember that much about the game, but I look at the team we had and there were some very good players. Some went on to feature regularly for the senior side, others just occasionally."

He continued: "It was my first England call-up, and I loved the atmosphere and occasion. It was massive for me to represent my country and it was great to be a part of that team.

"I didn’t do a lot of work in getting to the final, but I was asked to play in the second-leg and it was a proud night."

That win 20 years ago was the last accolade won by the England U21s, and although he admits it is a nice feeling to be one of the unique few to have won with his country, he wants to see more youngsters developing their game in that age group so the Three Lions can go on to conquer in the future.

Molineux prior to redevelopment

"It does feel quite strange. You look at the players that have come through the youth ranks, it’s amazing that we have not done better in any of these competitions since then," he said.

"It seems strange that we haven’t replicated that feat. We have great players in this country, and we need to make sure that we help them go on to earn full international caps.

"Maybe we bypass it too much and put them straight into the full squad. Then some may see it as a bit of a comedown going back to U21s, but really if you get the chance players should take that opportunity. It will help with their education."

He added: "It is very important. We have a lot of youth tournaments such as Toulon that our players go to, and I think they definitely benefit from going away to these tournaments. It helps them to understand what it’s like being away as a group, living with each other for a number of weeks.

"It helps with their development, and sometimes players miss out on that by not being around the squad long enough.

"I only played one game, albeit a big one, but I’d have loved to have been around England teams more. Going abroad and all that sort of stuff, it is a big learning curve and the U21s have that chance now."

What Molineux looks like now

Southgate’s side host Croatia at the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers next Friday in the first-leg of their European Championship qualifier. Mountfield, who twice won the old First Division with Everton before spells at Aston Villa and Carlisle United, believes with a full house cheering them that Molineux will be the perfect place for England to prosper.

"I was there when the redevelopment started at Molineux with the three new stands” he said. “It was a bit ramshackle…the old Waterloo Road Stand that was getting knocked down. We had to change while rain was dripping through the ceiling, and puddles everywhere – but now they have a great stadium and they are a great set of fans down there.

"That sort of stadium is perfect for our U21s to play and perform at. It has all the facilities, and is all setup for international football.

"I just hope the lads can win it and progress on to the finals."

Tickets are on sale for the Croatia game at Molineux, priced at just £10 and £5 via the Wolves Ticketline on 0871 222 1877 or online here.