England U17s forward Dominic Solanke believes the understanding that he has with Chelsea team-mate Izzy Brown can help fire the Young Lions to the European Championships in Malta.
Solanke scored the only goal as John Peacock’s youngsters defeated Czech Republic 1-0 in their opening Elite Round qualifier on Wednesday.
And as they prepare to face Albania in their second match on Friday afternoon, the 16-year-old hopes that the partnership between him and his fellow Blue can secure another three points.
Speaking to TheFA.com at the team hotel in Otrokovice, Solanke said: "I think it was a great achievement to beat the host nation in the first game, especially after the slow start we made in the first half. We played much better in the second, had a lot more intensity and I think we deserved the win.
England v Albania
UEFA European U17 Championship
Elite Qualifying Round
1pm, Friday 28 March
Stonky, Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic
"They came out the traps quickly and really pressed us, and at times caged us in a bit. We sussed them out though."
And on his goal, he was quick to praise Brown after being left with a simple finish following his club mate's shot off the post: "Izzy did really well to get the ball then beat his man, and he hit a great shot that was unlucky to come back off the post.
"Once I saw he was able to shoot, I just thought that I needed to get myself in there in case there was a rebound, and luckily for me I was in the right place at the right time to finish it off."
His winner was just the latest in a series of match-winning performances the strike duo have produced.
The pair have been instrumental in helping Chelsea to reach The FA Youth Cup Semi-Finals, and Solanke says he is enjoying every minute of the blossoming partnership that could quite easily be tearing-up defences for club and country in the not too distant future.
"Since he joined Chelsea we’ve developed a great understanding," explained Solanke. "The games that we’ve played together have seen us work really well, and we both play a kind of similar style, and we are really enjoying playing together for both Chelsea and England.
"We’ve been able to bring that understanding on to the international stage and I’m just glad that we have been able to make a difference for our country."
Solanke has moved positions over the last twelve months after initially breaking onto the scene as a winger – but he says he is enjoying his new role and is determined to help his country reach the European Championship Finals in Malta this May.
He added: "I moved into a more central role last season and it has helped me get more goals for the team. It’s a role I’m enjoying and if it means I can contribute to the team winning then that is the main thing.
"The Euros is right up there on things I want to achieve and if we can qualify it would be massive and a great experience.
"We have to go all out in situations like this, you don’t get a second chance. We need to get every point that we can because any slip-ups might prove costly – but we will all be working hard to ensure that does not happen."
England U17s kick-off their match with Albania at 1pm GMT – follow @FA on Twitter for updates.
