England U19s captain Calum Chambers says that despite being left “devastated” by the late goal that knocked England out of the European Championship Elite Round, it is important he and his teammates learn from the experience.
The Young Lions went into the game against Ukraine knowing that a draw would be enough to secure progression through the Elites to the Finals in Hungary in July.
But despite dominating much of the game at Burton’s Pirelli Stadium, it was Chambers who was helpless to prevent a stoppage-time saves from Christian Walton bounce straight off him and into the next to give Ukraine the win they needed to progress at the expense of England.
And Chambers says that failing to take advantage of their early dominance cost England dear.
He said: “During the game it felt like we were in complete control.
“We were controlling the game and the speed of it – we had a lot of chances that we should have taken, and at the end of the day if you don’t take your chances they’re always going to get an opportunity.
“Obviously we’re all absolutely devastated – to have done so well throughout the whole season it’s very difficult”
Callum Robinson Aston Villa
“I think we can all learn. Obviously right now it’s hard because we’re all devastated and we just can’t believe what’s happened.
“The one thing that stands out for me though is that we needed to be more clinical, because you know the opposition is always going to get an opportunity.
It’s been an honour to captain this side and captain your country through the season – the games I’ve been involved in have been good and I think this is our first defeat at this age group for about two years.
“But right now I’m just devastated.”
Meanwhile, Chambers’ team-mate Callum Robinson echoed his captain’s views and said that learning from defeat is a key part of the development process.
“Obviously we’re all absolutely devastated – to have done so well throughout the whole season it’s very difficult,” he added.
“We’re all just absolutely gutted really, speechless.
“We were doing well to be fair, we were managing the game. Sometimes we lost it in the middle of the pitch and they were breaking but we had it all under control.
“But that’s football for you – one split moment and you’re out of the tournament.
“Obviously there’s a lot to learn from this and that’s what Noel has said to us afterwards. Everyone wants to win.
“But losing is something that everybody has to do as well. Even the top players experience it – but you just have to learn from it and see how you get on for next season and push on.”
