Having rekindled his partnership with Adam Armstrong in Russia, Patrick Roberts has his eyes firmly focused on claiming Euro glory next summer.
The Fulham forward and Newcastle United's Armstrong were both part of the successful U17s squad that lifted the European Championship last year.
Roberts stepped straight into Sean O’Driscoll’s U19s this season as they narrowly missed out on qualification for the showpiece this summer, while Armstrong fired nine goals in nine games for the U18s.
'We just click, a sort of telepathic link if you like'
Roberts on his partnership with Armstrong
The duo were reunited at international level in Moscow this as Neil Dewsnip’s squad defeated Russia 2-0 on Monday before suffering a cruel 2-1 reverse on Wednesday.
However, the combination of Roberts and Armstrong, who both hit the target during the win, has left the Kingston-born trickster full of optimism ahead of next season when they could line up for the U19s together
“Arma and I just click, a sort of telepathic link if you like. He’s a striker that is always looking to get in behind the defence, so whenever I look I see him and we just seem to always be on the same wavelength,” Roberts told TheFA.com.
During the victory at Arena Khimki in the first of their double-header against the Russians, Roberts won a penalty for Armstrong to convert before he curled in a delicious second from 25 yards.
“When I got it I was just thinking about aiming for the corner. Usually when I get the ball, if I can get sight of the goal, the players between me and the goal are just like an obstacle to me.
Pat Roberts in action against Russia
"I like to dribble, and I believe that I can get past people, but then the hard part is putting it away – it was nice to see it go in.”
Although he fully enjoyed his time with the U19s this season, Roberts was delighted to rejoin a number of his friends for the U18s’ trip east.
And having won the Euros alongside some of the squad last summer, he is determined on getting his hands on another winners' medal next summer.
“It was good to be back with these lads, but it was also good to work and learn from Neil as I’d never had him before as a coach.
"He is very good and I’m really glad that I had the opportunity to go out to Russia.
“Obviously playing with the U19s was a lot different for me at the start. I came straight in from the U17s, which is quite a big step, and I didn’t really know any of the boys.
"Joe Gomez, Izzy Brown and Freddie Woodman were in there, but everyone else was new to me.
“It was good though, and the friendlies really helped me settle for the Euro qualifiers. It was a shame we fell at the final hurdle in the qualifying, but I really enjoyed it,” he said.
Roberts scored five goals in eight games for the U19s this season
“But I’ve played with a lot of these boys before and have a good understanding with them."
He added: “The aim whenever you play football is to win trophies.
"To have these lads who I played and won the Euro with at U17s level coming up into the U19s, is great.
"We want to retain the Euros and that’s our aim. It would be an incredible achievement.”
