Paul Woolston is hoping to emulate club mate Freddie Woodman’s achievements and become a European Championship winner.
The Newcastle United goalkeeper has been No1 throughout England Under-17s’ qualifying campaign, starting in five of the six victories the Young Lions recorded in their 100 per cent march to the finals.
Last year it was fellow Magpies shotstopper Woodman guarding the net for John Peacock’s side, and his heroics in the final were vital as England won the tournament after a penalty shoot-out last May.
Woolston and his team-mates were drawn alongside Republic of Ireland, Italy and Holland in the group stage, and despite admitting it is a tough draw, Woolston revealed his inspiration ahead of next month’s showpiece.
"Freddie was the hero in the final last year when it went to a penalty shoot-out and I wouldn't mind repeating what he did - although hopefully we won't need penalties this time," Woolston told nufc.co.uk. "We're the holders so we're going to try and retain the trophy.
Freddie Woodman
"It will be difficult but everybody in the team will be up for it.
"It's a tough group, especially with Holland in there who beat us at the Algarve Tournament recently, but we'll be keen to make up for that at the Euros."
This year, the tournament has been expanded to include 16 teams. It will also act as a qualifier for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile, which will take place between October and November.
The draw for the UEFA European U17 Championship finals is:
Group A: Bulgaria, Croatia, Spain, Austria
Group B: Czech Republic, Slovenia, Belgium, Germany
Group C: Greece, Russia, Scotland, France
Group D: Republic of Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, England
