The Everton youngster and Young Lions captain arrived in Gdansk on Thursday afternoon with the rest of Neil Dewsnip’s side as they prepare for a double header against Poland on Saturday and Monday.
Despite their relatively short time together, Ledson believes he and his colleagues have already developed a club mentality, and that togetherness is the force that continues to drive them forward.
Poland v England
U18 international
4pm, Saturday 15 November 2014
Gdynia City Stadium, Gdansk
“We all know each other and have been away together loads of times now,” he told TheFA.com.
“We won the Euros last season and it doesn’t get any bigger than that. We are all the best of mates and we get on really well.”
He continued: “We have that winning mentality. We want to be known for that and also as a hard team to face. We have proved that over the last couple of years, but we want to kick on now.
“Leading into the U19s, we want to keep that going and be feared.”
Having captained the side to Euro glory at U17 level, Ledson has seen several of his team-mates go on to make the breakthrough at their respective clubs over the last year.
Dominic Solanke was the latest, making his Chelsea debut in the Champions League in October, and the progress of his friends is just as pleasing for the midfielder as winning on the pitch.
“We are all mates and get on really well, so it gives us all a boost when we see our team-mates being involved with their first teams. It shows us how close we are to our own breakthrough. It motivates us all to keep working hard, and hopefully it will happen to all of us one day.
“This year has been unbelievable. Not only the Euros, but all the trips away with this group. The togetherness and banter between the lads and staff is first class, and we want another successful year together in 2015.
England U18s face Poland on Saturday and Monday
“But we still have a job to do this year, and we want to end it well with two wins.”
With a big crowd expected at Gdynia City Stadium on Saturday for the first game against Poland, Ledson says it will be another great experience for the group – but the “winning mentality” is never far from his thoughts.
He said: “It’s great for our experience being young lads coming here, and hopefully playing in front of a big crowd. Some of the squad are facing that for their club sides in the Championship or Premier League, but it will be a vital part of our development.
“But we need to go about our jobs properly - it can be easy to lose concentration having won the European Championship.
“Coming up against nations like Poland, with no disrespect to them, it’s a game we want to win and we have been preparing properly to get two victories.”
