Under-21s duo Gibson and Redmond happy with Euro base

Thursday 02 Apr 2015
Ben Gibson and Nathan Redmond both enjoyed their trip to Czech Republic last week
England Under-21s pair Nathan Redmond and Ben Gibson say they cannot wait to head back to Czech Republic for this summer’s Euro Finals.

The duo were part of Gareth Southgate’s squad who spent five days at the Three Lions’ summer base in Olomouc last week in the build-up to a game with the Euro hosts last Friday.

The England Under-21s squad show their thanks for a warm welcome in Olomouc, Czech Republic.

The Under-21s squad received a warm welcome to Olomouc last week

And both players believe the facilities on offer will be perfect for the squad when they return in June for their group games with Portugal, Italy and Sweden.

"We found it really good and we were given the freedom to go and have a walk in the afternoons, around the town and get used to the surroundings," revealed Norwich city winger Redmond, who was also part of the U21s squad which travelled to the 2013 Euro Finals in Israel.

"The local football stadium is right next to it, there’s a sports complex behind it, bowling alleys and mini-golf so the lads really enjoyed themselves. 

"Whilst the football is really important, the down time is just as key and you’ve got to learn how to manage it.

"Everyone liked the hotel, so all we’ve got to worry about now is going to the Euros, making sure we prepare right and give a good account of ourselves."

After those four days in Olomouc, Redmond went on play a part in the 1-0 win over the Euro hosts in Prague before scoring in the 3-2 victory over Germany on Monday.

Watch highlights of the game in Prague

 

That was a game in which Middlesbrough defender Gibson also featured - at his home club’s Riverside Stadium.

And even though his training in Olomouc was restricted due to injury last week, he felt the group were more than at home ahead of their return in just over two months.

"It was a fantastic week for us to get to know the place and surroundings and what it’s going to be like in the summer," added the 22-year-old centre-half.

"That, along with the result on Friday, made it a really successful week.

"The hotel is fantastic and the people there were great, so we’ve got no excuses really.

"We just want to go into the summer with confidence and high hopes of bringing back the trophy."

Southgate’s squad will next meet up as a full group in early June as they put their finishing touches on preparations for the Euro Finals.

Watch highlights of the Three Lions' win against Germany at the Riverside Stadium

 





By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels