Gareth ready for 'key game' in Milton Keynes

Gareth Southgate is targeting three points on Thursday night as his England Under-21s aim to extend their lead at the top of Euro qualifying group one.

The Three Lions take on Finland in Milton Keynes, knowing that a victory will strengthen their position in the table as this year’s fixtures draw to a close.

Third-placed Finland are the only nation to have taken points off England during the current campaign, following the 1-1 draw in Tampere two months ago.

And head coach Southgate knows that a win this time will come as a real boost ahead of next Tuesday’s home game against bottom-of-the-table San Marino.

“In terms of the group we’re in, this is a key game for both us and Finland,” said Southgate.

“It won’t be easy for us, Finland have always been a tough nation to break down and beat.

“I remember playing against them at senior level when we got a draw in Helsinki to help us qualify for the World Cup in 2002 and we had a similar experience in the away game in September.

“We gave an early goal away, which was a setback and then we had a man [Andre Wisdom] sent off towards the end, so it was a good learning experience for us.

“They are well organised and have a couple of dangerous players on the break.

“But it’s a game that, if we win, we’re in control of the group.”

It looks as though the Three Lions will be backed by a sizeable crowd at stadiummk too, with ticket sales going well and around 20,000 expected.

Following on from the 22,000 attendance at Portman Road for the game with Lithuania last month, Southgate is hoping his side can put on another similar show for the fans.

“We hope that Milton Keynes are really excited about hosting the game,” added Southgate.

“There should be a big crowd there, ticket sales have gone well and we put on a super display last time out so we hope to do the same again.

“We then play at Shrewsbury on Tuesday and we want to take the players out around the country and show the fans how capable this group are of playing.”