The Stuttgart defender is preparing for Friday’s opening match of the Nike International Tournament in Sarasota against the host nation.
Having featured in the competition 12 months ago for the U16s, where the Young Lions won one game but lost their other two matches to USA and Brazil, Collinge believes he and his team-mates will be perfectly prepared this year for a proper assault on the competition.
“We are settled now and have adjusted to the time difference. Getting over the jet lag was an issue on the first day, we were all a bit tired, but yesterday the training quality was much higher and intense,” Collinge told TheFA.com.
USA v England
Nike U17 International Tournament
11pm GMT, Friday 28 November
Premier Sports Campus, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota
“We’re all feeling good now, the hotel is lovely, the training pitches are great and everything here is more than we could need to ensure we put in three quality performances.
“The climate is a big factor, but it’s something we have to learn to adjust to and perform in if we want to be internationals. We’ve had a presentation from the Sports Scientist about keeping hydrated and how to recover in these conditions to optimise our performance, and come match day we’ll be in ideal shape.”
He added: “I was here last year and the humidity was a big issue. It’s totally different from anything you get back in the UK. And you need to get used to the surface, too, but coming out five days before the first game gives us more than enough time to prepare.”
John Peacock’s U17s face three matches over the coming week against USA, Brazil and Australia.
Despite a tough opening fixture against the hosts in front of an expected big crowd, which will include USA senior men’s manager Jurgen Klinsmann, Collinge wants to use the contest to send out a message.
“We want the trophy,” said the former MK Dons youngster. “I remember last year we suffered a disappointing opening defeat.
“The desire to win this game against the US is very high, as we know that the first game is always the most important and it sets up the rest of the tournament for you.
“It gives you a base to build and improve from, and it also sets down a marker to the others.
‘We’re here and we want to win it’
Danny Collinge
“If you can go in there and put in a good performance, it sets out a warning to the other sides and says, ‘We’re here and we want to win it’.”
Following Friday’s opener, next up for the Young Lions is a mouth-watering clash with Brazil on Sunday – and Collinge is eyeing a famous scalp.
“Brazil is one you dream about as a child - a real dream fixture.
“That’s not to say that the others aren’t as important, but games with Brazil are a bit special. It’s a challenge that you’ll face only a few times in your life, playing against their unique style of play, and we are all looking forward to it.
“Victory would be great, and our lads definitely have the potential and desire to defeat them after our 2-1 loss to them last year.“
It is certainly the stuff of dreams to be playing for your country, but for Collinge, he is just happy to be playing anyone competitively, whether it’s Brazil or Barnet.
The 16-year-old moved from MK Dons to Stuttgart in the August transfer window, but due to a problem with the paperwork, the centre back is unable to play competitively for his new side until January.
“It’s been difficult, but I’m really grateful that I’ve been selected for England and I’m going to make the most of my game time here,” he added.
“I’ll be performing the best I can and hopefully the team will get the results that reflect the way we play.”
