Sean O'Driscoll welcomes testing friendly fixture

And although O’Driscoll is expecting his team to be given a stern workout by the Azzurri, he revealed several of his players have fond memories of the ground having played there earlier this year. 

The manager said: "We are facing an Italy team who will undoubtedly give us a really good test. 

"Over 9,000 people watched England U18s beat Germany 2-1 there in April in what was a fantastic advert for youth football.

"We hope Friday's game will prove equally exciting against a top footballing nation and that people will leave here feeling positive and encouraged about the future of English football."

Having drawn 1-1 in a friendly in Germany in September, O'Driscoll's side began their Euro qualifiers a month later in Luxembourg. 

Sean O'Driscoll's side have enjoyed a fine start to the season

Comprehensive 3-0 and 8-0 victories over Belarus and the hosts respectively were followed by a 4-2 win over Belgium.

And O'Driscoll says the attacking prowess shown by his side so far this season has been particularly pleasing.

He added: "To score 15 goals and concede just the two was fantastic. 

"The boys worked really hard and showed great enthusiasm. They took on board what we were encouraging them to do and showed the bravery to apply it in all three games.  

"They played with freedom, flexibility and everyone in the squad got the opportunity to contribute. 

"They took the level of performance they achieved against Germany and built on it, gaining in the belief that, as a group, they are able to develop and continue improving as a team."

The draw for the Elite Qualifying Round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Finals takes place on 3 December. 

You can watch England U19s against Italy live on TheFA.com on Friday 14 November.

The match begins at 7.45pm.