It's our first Final at Under-21s level for 25 years and a match to savour.
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I’m not sure how to feel today. Days like this is what football is all about, everyone wants to be a part of a winning team, and to become one you must face what we have before us here in Malmo. A major Final.
It’s not often enough that we are in this position, and it’s for that reason I don’t know whether to be excited or anxious. As Stuart Pearce said in his press conference yesterday, not winning against Germany tonight would not be deemed a success, but from England’s past experience this is a major achievement.
But I know exactly what the boss means. We arrived in Sweden 19 days ago so that we would still be here today, with the aim of finishing the job off.
We need to be used to tasting victory in matches like the one the boys have been preparing for. For over 22 months, the work has led to today. And this morning on the Malmo Old Stadium pitch, which is literally a goal-kick from the pitch England will be playing on tonight, they had their final training session of the trip, their last chance to put the finishing touches on their plans for European success.
The team have remained unbeaten since the start of the campaign, they’ve played some great games, and they’ve rode their luck. The mood after Friday’s semi-final was subdued, considering the significance of the victory, but tonight any victory will be greeted with delight.
With our record as it is, a Final place is never guaranteed, they don’t come around often. So everyone must savour the opportunity, it’s the biggest thing I’ve ever been this closely involved in, and I’m sure it is the same for many of the players and staff.
This group of players have a chance tonight to carve their names into England’s history and become winners. They looked focused as they sat on the bus back from training this morning, some were in quiet contemplation, some relaxed and smiling with their team mates.
I’ve been helping out the team’s video analysts Steve O’Brien and Mike Baker with the video that will be shown to the players before they leave the dressing room tonight. It’s messaging will be simple; Make the most of this chance, have no regrets, and do your team, yourself and your country proud.
Seize the day.
Don't forget! You can follow England’s campaign in the Finals with TheFA.com who will be with the team all the way in the Finals.
You'll also be able keep tabs by following us on Twitter , or become a ‘fan’ of the England Under-21s on our official Facebook page .