Matt Targett making the most of Euro Finals experience

Thursday 18 Jun 2015
Matt Targett and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are the two youngest members of the squad
Matt Targett is preparing for his first taste of life in a Euro Final, as England Under-21s get ready to kick-off on Thursday night.

The Southampton left-back was part of the U19s squad that agonisingly missed out on a place in last summer’s Finals when a last-minute own goal cost them against Ukraine in the Elite Qualifying Round.

England v Portugal

UEFA European U21 Championship
The Finals
7.45pm (BST), Thursday 18 June 2015
Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic
Live on BT Sport

But his impressive performances for Aidy Boothroyd’s U20s, coupled with a breakthrough into the Saints’ team this season saw him win a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad in March.

After a debut against Euro hosts Czech Republic in Prague in March, he was included in Southgate’s long squad to cap off an impressive breakthrough campaign for the 19-year-old.

"It’s been a fantastic season for me personally, and hopefully I can add to that next season," said Targett. 

"The togetherness in this group of lads, you can’t question it. I’ve only come into the group quite recently and they’ve made me feel part of it straight away.

"They’ve been amazing to train with and to be with off the pitch."

England have been at their base in Czech Republic since Sunday putting in the final plans for the Portugal game.

And the squad will leave their hotel in Olomouc on Thursday morning to make the journey to Uherske Hradiste.

"All the preparation has been done and we’re feeling good, so we’re looking forward to the game," added the Winchester-born defender.

"We’ve done our homework on Portugal and know it’s going to be a really tough test, but it’s one that we’re looking forward to."

Targett is one of a number of players in this squad who are still young enough to feature for the U21s in the next Euro campaign, which begins in September.

And he says he is making the most of the opportunity to travel with this group and get a first taste of the Finals of a big tournament.

"It’s been a great experience and being a young player, hopefully I’ll get to learn a lot from this tournament," he added.

"It will give me a bit more understanding of what we have to do when you come to a big tournament like this.

"It’s something you have to enjoy, it doesn’t happen often so you have to make the most of it."

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels in Olomouc