The England U19s boss watched his side go behind early in the second half in their Euro Elite Round qualifier before two late Lewis Baker strikes turned the fixture – and the shape of the group – on its head and secured a vital three points for the Young Lions.
Had Scotland held their lead, Ricky Sbragia's side would only have needed to draw with group outsiders Montenegro to go forward as the group's sole qualifier for the finals in Hungary.
But instead England are in the driving seat and need only avoid defeat to be sure of progressing.
England v Ukraine
U19 UEFA Euro 2014
Elite Round
3pm, Thursday 29 May
Pirelli Stadium, Burton
Tickets £3 adults, £1.50 concessions
And Blake said the importance of Baker’s late brace cannot be underestimated.
He said: “The goals were massive. Obviously had we lost the game we would have been out the tournament. But that’s tournament football – you’ve got to stick with it.
“The first half was an even game. We had some chances and they had some situations as well. Obviously they took the lead in the second half and got the impetus.
“But credit to our boys. We hung in there. We talk about staying in the game – towards the of the game I thought there was only one team in it, we just had to get that first one.”
After going behind to John Soutter’s shortly after the break, Blake’s side immediately regained the impetus and went on the front foot.
Chuba Akpom struck the upright, Jordon Ibe hit the same post moments later – but the manager said despite the missed opportunities beginning to stack up, he never felt that it was not going to be their day.
“Funnily enough I’ve been in games like that before and felt that way, but I didn’t today,” he added.
“We had so much momentum going forwards. And with the quality forward line that we’ve got it’s not just one player going forward.”
Next up for England is Ukraine at Burton on Thursday. The match kicks off at 3pm and tickets are available on the gate, priced at £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions.
