Everton midfielder Ryan Ledson admits he is excited about the months ahead for England’s U17s as he prepares to face Belgium in a double-header at St. George’s Park this week.
The 17-year-old was part of John Peacock’s squad that won all three games during their European Championship qualifiers in Armenia last October.
And the skipper is looking forward to helping the Young Lions seal their place in this summer’s competition – but knows a tough test awaits them in this week’s warm-up matches.
“Belgium will be packed full of good individuals and it’ll be a great test for us.”
Ryan Ledson England U17 captain
Ledson said: “I’ve been looking forward to meeting up with the lads again since the squad was named.
“I really enjoyed Armenia so it will be great to work with the group against Belgium.
“We know that they are going to be tough and they are a very tricky country to face. They’ll be packed full of good individuals and it’ll be a great test for us ahead of the Elites."
Following England’s three victories over Armenia, Gibraltar and Republic of Ireland in October, they qualified for the Elite Round of qualifiers which will take place in Czech Republic next month, and Ledson believes his team-mates have enough quality to qualify for the finals in Malta.
Ledson, who will “proudly” lead the side as captain again, added: “I would like to think that we’ve got a good chance of getting through that as well and reaching the Championship.
"That’s the aim and we’ll all be striving to achieve that."
He continued: “It’s a great honour every time to pull on the armband.
"I’m always proud to play for my country, but being captain just makes it extra special – especially with the great bunch that we have got.”
England U17s firstly face Belgium on Tuesday afternoon, kick-off 2.30pm, before the two nations meet each other again at midday on Thursday.
