Following on from the success of the England’s U17s in Malta, Chuba Akpom says he and his team-mates are fully motivated to achieve the same glory with the U19s in July.
The Arsenal striker is currently with Noel Blake’s squad as they prepare for the second of three Elite Round qualifying games in five days – with a place in the U19 European Championships in Hungary up for grabs at the end of the week.
After a resounding 6-0 victory against Montenegro on matchday one, Akpom says he is relishing the prospect of continuing the good work against Scotland, and hopefully further on into the summer.
“I’m really looking forward to the last two games,” he said.
England v Scotland
UEFA U19 Euro 2014 Qualifying
Elite Round
7.30pm, Monday 26 May
Pirelli Stadium, Burton
Tickets £3 adults, £1.50 concessions
“If we qualify and I make the squad it will be my first time at a Euro Finals – so it’s something I’m striving towards. We’re excited about the challenge ahead – we did well against Montenegro and we have to continue that momentum against Scotland.
“Obviously we’ve seen the U17s win their European Championship and that’s definitely motivated us to go on and try and do the same. I think we’re capable of winning it, for sure.”
England take on Scotland at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium at 7.30pm on Monday evening.
Only the group winners will qualify for the Finals, and with Scotland and Ukraine drawing their opening match as the Young Lions cruised past Montenegro, the young striker knows they have a fantastic chance to close in on qualification – but warned it will not be easy.
“We all know it’s going to be a tough game,” he added. “There’s always a rivalry there between the two countries so these games are always going to be highly competitive, whatever the level. But hopefully we can get a win and if we can do that it will be a giant step towards qualification.
“I’ve played against Scotland before, with the '94 year group at this stage, and we beat them 3-0. I scored one so I have good memories of that game.”
Chuba's world
- Favourite film: Twelve Years a Slave or Hotel Rwanda
- TV show: Fresh Prince of Bel Air
- Sport other than football: Table Tennis
- Favourite ever player: Thierry Henry
- Most important person in career so far: My whole family. I couldn't pick one.
The Young Lions have been staying and training together since meeting up for an initial training camp over a fortnight ago – and although away from home for a long period of time, Akpom says he is comfortable in the setup and the camaraderie within the group makes being away a pleasure.
“Noel [Blake] is a great manager,” he added.
“I’ve known him for a couple of years now and the bond is there. The team bond is fantastic as well.
“Everyone is really good friends on and off the pitch. It’s always good to have that kind of friendship and it definitely makes it easier in the games.
"You’re playing football with your mates, people your own age and at the same points in their careers - so it’s really enjoyable all the time with England.
“Our team this year is very strong. We have Premier League experience among the group and lots of the boys are regulars in their first-team squads. We’re confident, but we know we have to remain focused, disciplined and get the job done.
“But one step at a time, and next up is Scotland. So we go again – and remain focused on the next challenge.”
England take on Scotland at Burton Albion at 7.30pm on Monday.
Tickets are available on the gate and are priced at £3 for adults, £1.50 for concessions.
