Noel Blake: U19s ready to face some of Europe's best

Noel Blake says his squad is ready and relishing the opportunity to take on some of Europe's best young national teams on home soil.

England U19s have been at St. George's Park all week preparing to host the Elite Round of qualification for the 2014 UEFA European Championship, which is to be held in Hungary in July.

The Young Lions welcome Montenegro, Scotland and Ukraine for the final round of qualification ahead of the Finals - and with only the group-winners progressing, Blake says that at this stage of the process every game represents a difficult challenge.

"The Elite Rounds are notoriously difficult to qualify from and this will be no different," he said.

"Facing Montenegro, Scotland and the Ukraine as well as hosting the tournament will be a great challenge for all of us and it’s one that I know our players are really looking forward to. 

"With us being at home, I am hoping our supporters will really get behind the lads and that the players respond and perform to their full potential."

The tournament begins for England on Saturday against Montenegro at Walsall. 

If England navigate through their group and on to the finals in July, they will also have the chance to qualify for an even bigger stage - a prospect Blake says he and his players are well aware of.

"The U19s Elite Round is a very important tournament," he added. 

"It gives the winners of the group the opportunity to try and qualify for the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup Finals in New Zealand - and that is something I am sure all four nations would be thrilled to experience."  

Following the opening game against Montenegro there will be a quick turnaround for Blake's Young Lions.

The players will rest on Sunday, before heading straight into their second game on bank holiday Monday - against Scotland at Burton.

England U19s are staying and training at St. George's Park all week

The trio of games over five days ends against Ukraine on 29 May, and Blake says the experience is always valuable for the development of the players at this stage of their career.

"Playing three very important matches in quick succession against different styles of play and quality opposition is an important part of the development process for these players," he added. 

"Tournament football is different to what most of our boys experienced at their clubs so the time they are spending within the England development system will be hugely beneficial to them.

"Our opponents are nations that have good track records of developing young players, so they will offer a tough challenge for us in this tournament and we have to be respectful to our opponents, but play without fear in every game.