Ryan Ledson joyful after 'toughest spell of career'

Ryan Ledson has spoken of his delight after coming through one of the “hardest” spells in his career.

The Everton midfielder has captained England at Under-16, U17 and U18 level over the past three seasons, including lifting the European Championship last summer in Malta.

However the joys experienced in recent years quickly disappeared when he found himself left out of England Under-19s squads so far this season.

Ahead of this week’s double-header against Holland and Japan, U19s boss Aidy Boothroyd handed Ledson an opportunity to impress by calling him back into the international fold.

And the youngster rewarded the head coach’s faith in him by netting the first goal to launch a comeback against Holland on Thursday evening to help England fightback from two-down to earn a 2-2 draw.

“It was a really hard time for me and probably the toughest of my young career so far,” admitted the 18-year-old to TheFA.com.

“Not being in the first couple of squads was hurtful, but I knew I had to get my head down and work hard on the training pitch to earn another shot.

“I got that opportunity on Thursday, I think I did well and got the goal, so I’m really happy to be back.”

Ryan Ledson lifts the Euro U17 Championship trophy

The contest with Holland was nothing new for Ledson and the majority of his team-mates.

Not only did they defeat them in the final of the Euros two seasons ago, but they also romped to 4-1 and 3-1 victories over them last year and U18s level.

And he believes their hosts had a bit of payback on their mind heading into their latest battle.

“I think there still is a bit of that," he continued. "Both sides had a few of the lads there that were included at the Euros so I think they will have wanted a bit of revenge.

“We have played them and beat them twice since then last season, and both teams know each other inside out.”

Ledson, who made his senior debut for the Toffees during the 2014-15 campaign, added: “We had a game plan to try and show them out wide to avoid their best players, and we were a bit unfortunate to go in behind at the break. We could quite easily have gone in drawing or ahead at half time.

“Then we made a mistake from a throw-in and they scored just after the restart, so that put us right on the back foot.”

For most sides in that situation the remainder of the contest would have become a damage limitation job, but this group of Young Lions are made of sterner stuff according to Ledson.

“To be honest we looked a bit stiff in the middle, but then we brought Tammy Abraham and Ainsley Maitland-Niles on and we looked a different side.

“I don’t score many so it was nice to get us back in the game. I’ve battled to get my shot off and test the keeper, he has made a save and I’ve managed to get the rebound.

Ledson's last goal for England was against Poland 12 months ago

“Then it was Ainsley who put in a great ball for Tammy to knock it in. That just shows the team spirit within this squad – even if you don’t start you can still make an impact.”

And despite it only being a friendly, continuing the Young Lions’ unbeaten start to the campaign will have a major impact on their psyche says the tough-tackler Ledson.

“It definitely gives us momentum. Every other nation will look at the result, and we have got good results away from home against the best teams.

“It can only drive us forwards towards the Euros and teams will be looking at us and thinking we are strong.”

Ledson and his team-mates flew back into Manchester on Friday after to continue their preparations for Sunday’s clash with Japan, another contest the youngster will be looking to leave his mark on.

“Every time I pull on a shirt for England I give it absolutely everything I have got. This is a very strong age group, and just to be involved shows each player they are doing well.

“So now we move on to the Japan game where everyone, not just myself, will be looking to prove to the manager that they deserve to be here and impress ahead.”

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