Peter Sturgess's Futsal Four Nations blog - Day 3

England Futsal head coach Peter Sturgess has been blogging every day from the Four Nations Tournament in Newcastle. Here's the third update, as the Three Lions faced their first game.

Day three for the England Futsal squad on Thursday started fairly uneventfully, yet ended with a huge feeling of pride for what a group of individuals can achieve when there is a real sense of purpose, commitment and unity.

After breakfast, the players fed back on what they wanted the preparations on matchday to look like. I was conscious that the preparation and scheduling was mine and not their's, yet they should know what gets them to that special state of readiness to perform so they had been asked for their thoughts. 

I tend to want to protect the players in the hope that they are fresh for the game. However, the group wanted a more active session and because I know they are becoming more in tune with what gets them "ready", I went with their wishes. 

I was pleased. The session was bright and full of energy as the players honed their possession play and practiced the restarts in a short game and there was a good feeling between the players. I would like to think the squad is developing a really strong bond between each and every member, both players and staff, and with this comes a feeling that we all care massively about each other and what we are doing. All of us make great sacrifices to be part of this programme so when special nights happen it makes everything worthwhile.

The team meeting was prepared and the footage of Cyprus selected by the players the night before was included as we finalised our game plan for the first game. The suggestions from the players were insightful and valid and this process of ownership is something that I hope the players engage with more and more because it is "their team".

The England team celebrate against Cyprus

We arrived to watch the USA v Qatar game and as usual, thoughts of how to exploit any weaknesses and stifle any threats filled our heads. However, deep down I wanted the game to be over so that we could get on court. 

The warm-up was really good quality and the buzz from the morning session was evident again. The last few words were spoken in the dressing room, the national anthems came and went and then the referees whistle blew to start the game.

The first half ended with the spectators having witnessed one of the best and most professional displays from an England Futsal team AND a four goal lead. It is wrong to highlight individuals, as it was the strength of the whole squad that raised the performance levels to new heights. 

The build-up play was slick and with pace, the goals were clinical and the defending against a dangerous opponent was heroic. The second half was an intense affair but there was a real desire to stop Cyprus scoring and a further goal was added to round off a fine performance. 

We had spoken a lot over the week about what kind of team we want to become and we have adopted the motto "with unity comes greatness". The attitude and team unity that was evident on Thursday night will help these young people deal with anything that life throws at them, never mind Futsal and who knows, one day we might be able to achieve something that is thought of as GREAT!

Pete