Pritchard says England Under-21s are 'ready' for Euros

Alex Pritchard believes England Under-21s are ready for the Euros following their arrival in Czech Republic.

The squad landed at their base in Olomouc on Sunday afternoon and trained for the first time since touching down later that evening.

And with all 23 members of Gareth Southgate’s group fit and now competing for places, the Tottenham Hotspur attacker says there’s a real confidence around the camp.

"We’re ready and confidence is high," he told TheFA.com.

"Training’s been good, everyone knows the hotel and the training facilities as we’ve been here before.

"The pitches are much better now, there’s a stand where people could watch and the facilities are fantastic.

"We’re settled and we have everything here so we’re ready."

However, Sunday’s training session was brought to a slightly early end after a sudden storm hit the city to force players and staff running for cover.

"We didn’t expect that," chuckled Pritchard. 

"We got off the plane and the sun was shining so happy times, then you’re training and a big cloud comes out of nowhere and cuts it short.

"But we’d nearly finished the session, so it wasn’t a problem."

The Three Lions begin their Euro campaign on Thursday when they take on Portugal in Uherske Hradiste.

And after two weeks of training together at St. George’s Park, Pritchard says thoughts are now turning towards the serious stuff when the group stage kicks-off.

"Everyone’s relaxed about it, but in the back of your head you’re ready and you’re waiting for Thursday," he admitted.

"But if we train as we have been and bring the performances that we have been, we’re excited.

Pritchard in action against Czech Republic in Prague last March

"We’ve just got to focus on our training and how we’re going to perform."

Pritchard comes into the Euros on the back of an impressive campaign, playing on loan for Brentford in the Championship this season.

The 22-year-old helped the Bees secure a play-off spot and whilst they lost out to Middlesbrough at the semi-final stage, Pritchard earned a place in the Championship team of the season and won a string of accolades for his displays as well as a place in Southgate’s squad last September. 

"I think that was key for me this season, to get out and play some regular football," he said.

"I got near enough 50 games under my belt and I played in mostly every game, so hopefully I can bring what I’ve done this season into the tournament.

"I came in later to the squad, but to fit in as I have done has been great. I knew a couple of the lads, but not all of them.

"To get to know them as much as I have done and to bed in as quickly has been good for me."

Watch the full interview with Pritchard in the video player below.

Southgate's Young Lions kick-off their European Championship campaign on Thursday when they face Portugal at Uherske Hradiste at 7.45pm. Watch it live on BT Sport or follow @England on Twitter for all the updates from Czech Republic.