Louis Reed was determined to drive England Under-18s to victory in Moscow, especially after the efforts made by his family to watch him live at Arena Khimki.
The Sheffield United midfielder won his third cap during the 2-0 victory on Monday, with goals from Adam Armstrong and Patrick Roberts securing success in the first of the Young Lions’ double-header in Russia.
The 17-year-old started the contest, and he was delighted to be able to perform in front of his family, although he revealed the trip to Moscow almost did not happen.
Russia v England
International U18 Match
4pm, Wednesday 10 June 2015
Arena Khimki, Moscow
“They only just made it – they nearly missed their flight out here,” Reed told TheFA.com.
“I spoke to my mum after the game and she said she was running through Heathrow airport in bare feet trying to make the flight.
"They’d had a struggle with the transfers, the trains and shuttle services there took ages to arrive, so they had a bit of a nightmare.
“I’m delighted they did get out here though and could see me play for England again – especially as my brother was with them.
"He lives in America so it’s the first time he has watched me play in over a year. He is back for the summer and came out with my parents.
“I got a knock early on, but there was no way I was coming off after the journey he had made.”
Reflecting on the match, Reed continued: “It was brilliant. We always knew it was going to be tough physically, but once we got past the stage of competing with them we managed to get the ball down and dominate.
“At some points it was 50/50 and they had their chances, but once we got that first goal it was a big weight off our shoulders.
"After that we were able to relax a little and we kept getting the ball down and in behind them, and we just worked hard to add to our lead – which Pat did with a great strike.”
The call up for the trip to Moscow signalled the end of a fine first full campaign for the 17-year-old.
He became Sheffield United’s youngster-ever player in the Football League in April 2014, and he has gone on to establish himself in the Blades line up, making over 30 appearances this season.
Reed won his third England cap against Russia
His performances for the Bramall Lane side earned him international recognition three months ago, and the young Yorkshireman admits the past year has been something of a whirlwind.
“Everything has come round really quick but I’ve really enjoyed it. I never expected to play as much as I have, but I have learnt a lot,” he said.
“I was nervous when I first came away with England but the lads made me feel really welcome as did the staff. That allowed me to really focus on my football.
“We have some top players from big clubs in this squad, so I was a little nervous about meeting them, but they were brilliant.
“This is my first away trip with my country but it’s just like going away with mates now, I get on with everyone really well”
Louis Reed England U18s & Sheffield United
"This is my first away trip with my country but it’s just like going away with mates now, I get on with everyone really well.”
And comparing the differences of the League One to the international stage, he added: “It’s a lot different.
Not so much the working hard and getting around part, you need that in any team, but the quality of football is a lot more technical, which is no disrespect to League One because it is a very tough and competitive division.
“The games are just a bit more free-flowing at international level and you get a bit more time on the ball. You have to look after the ball really well, and the players in this side have been brought up with that instilled in them.
“So it was a bit different when I first came in but I think that I have adapted quite well into it.”
Reed will be hoping to win his fourth England cap when the Young Lions take on Russia again in Moscow at 4pm on Wednesday.
