Watmore: 'No excuses' for U21s after Sarajevo stalemate

Duncan Watmore says England Under-21s have no excuses after being held to a 0-0 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday.

The Three Lions were held to a frustrating draw in Sarajevo on what was a difficult surface to play in the way Watmore and his team-mates would like.

But the Sunderland winger believes the squad cannot be too aggrieved at the point, after their return to England ahead of Monday’s game with Switzerland in Brighton.

"It was a frustrating afternoon, but we're not one of those teams who are going to look for excuses with the pitch and conditions so we're not going to blame them,” he revealed.

"We knew it was going to be a difficult match whatever, and Bosnia defended really well so fair play to them.

"So it was frustrating for us not to manage to break them down but if you can't win matches, you've got to come away with a point and not lose and that's what we did.

"So in some respects, we'll take some positives from this."

Watmore was introduced as a second-half substitute in Sarajevo, as Gareth Southgate looked to enhance his side’s chances of finding a later winner.

The former Altrincham youngster is still waiting for his first start for the U21s since joining the squad at the start of this season.

England Under-21s forward Duncan Watmore lines-up a shot in training under the watchful eye of Gareth Southgate

But the 20-year-old is pleased with his time on the England camps so far, as Southgate’s squad aim to continue their Euro Qualifying campaign with would be a big result against Switzerland in Brighton.

"I've really enjoyed it, it's been a great opportunity for me," he revealed. "Gareth, Steve [Holland, assistant coach] and all of the staff have been really great with me and I've enjoyed it.

"It's a great setup they have, all of the lads have been class and I really feel part of the squad, which is a nice feeling to have.

"And I think everyone in the squad feels like that so it's really good."

Tickets for Monday’s game at the Amex Stadium are priced at just £10 and £5 and are available by calling 0844 327 1901 or by clicking here.