Loftus-Cheek keen to take winning form into Euro Elites

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is focused on continuing his winning ways as he meets up with the U19s for the Elite Round.

The Young Lions begin the Elite Round of qualification for the 2014 UEFA European U19 Championship on Saturday against Montenegro as they begin their bid to finish top of the group and secure their spot at the July tournament in Hungary.

And Loftus-Cheek, who ended the domestic season in spectacular fashion by captaining Chelsea to FA Youth Cup success and was a member of their U21 Premier League-winning side, is relishing the opportunity to wear the Three Lions on his chest in front of a home crowd.

He said: "It’s going to be fantastic. 

"It will be great to play in front of a home crowd and to be able to have my friends and family there as well will be brilliant. 

"I don’t think my family have seen me play for England at U19 level so it will be great to have them there."

England open their campaign against Montenegro at Walsall's Banks's Stadium on Saturday, before taking on Scotland at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium two days later. The Young Lions complete their campaign against Ukraine, also at Burton, on 29 May.

Only the group winners will secure a spot at the finals, and from there six of the eight finalists will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

But Loftus-Cheek insists that with such a challenging task ahead, it would be unwise to look too far ahead and lose focus on the task in hand.

He added: "You have to have goals.

"But you also have to focus on the games in hand first. If you look too far down the line you can take your eye off the ball and get complacent. 

Loftus-Cheek has three U19s caps to date

"Right here and now we have to look at the three games against Scotland, Ukraine and Montenegro – if we win all those we will get to Hungary for the Euros in July. Then, and only then, can we start focusing on things further down the line, such as the U20 World Cup."

Throughout the Elite Round the U19s are staying and training at St. George's Park - which will also be home to the England senior team in the days leading up to their departure for the World Cup.

And Loftus-Cheek says it is will be an honour to spend time at the national football centre as the seniors prepare for Brazil.

"It’s great at St. George’s Park," he said. 

"I’ve stayed there a few times before with England and played there with Chelsea as well. I always enjoy it. It’s a really great place to stay and the facilities are awesome – absolutely top class. 

"And to be there at the same time as the seniors – at such an exciting for them – it really is inspiring."

Tickets for all three games are now on sale, priced at £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions.