Vice captain Joel Latibeaudiere has revealed his pride at leading out England in the U17 World Cup.
The Young Lions take on Japan in the round of 16 on Tuesday afternoon, with regular captain Angel Gomes set to take the honour as the knock-out stages get underway.
But after taking the title for the first two games when Gomes didn't start, he admits it’s been a real boost for him to take the captain’s armband in India where Steve Cooper’s side won all three of their group games in Kolkata to progress to the knock-out stages.
“Every time I go on the pitch with or without the armband, it’s an honour for me to represent my country,” revealed the Manchester City ace.
“Having the armband is something extra and it’s something that I’ve dreamed about.
“I take great pride in doing it.”
The Doncaster-born defender and his squad-mates have spent the last few days preparing for their latest test against Japan.
And having already faced opposition from the Asian federation in Iraq in their final group game on Saturday, Latibeaudiere feels the Young Lions will be ready.
“We’ve studied Japan and we respect how they play so we know they can score loads of goals,” he revealed.
“We just need to do what we know and try to shut down their strengths but we’re not taking anything for granted."
