Steve Cooper: England Under-17s will 'play the same way'

England Under-17s boss Steve Cooper wants his side to keep their footballing philosophy in tact as they prepare for Thursday’s crucial clash with Denmark.

The Young Lions go into the game knowing that a victory will be enough to take them into the European Championship quarter final, regardless of how the other group match between Sweden and France goes.

But if England are held to a draw, then Cooper's side are relying on a France victory over Sweden to secure a place in the top two and therefore progress.

"It’s going to be another tough game," admitted Cooper, who has seen his team lose 2-1 to Sweden in their opener before beating France 2-0 on Monday. 

"I think we said before the first game started that there were four good teams in this group with a clear way of playing with a strong identity. 

"Denmark have shown that already in their qualification for this tournament and then their first two games here as well, with two good results. 

"They’ve shown already they are a very organised group and a very good team with the ball, so we’re looking forward to what will be another tough game – a different test, but our boys will be ready for it, as I’m sure they will be.

"Like all of the teams here in Azerbaijan we’ve done our analysis on Denmark, and they’ve a number of good players we’ll have to be mindful of in our preparation and when the game kicks-off. 

"But they’re not a bunch of individuals, they’re a solid team as well and that’s what you need in this competition and Denmark have both of those, and as I’ve said they have a clear identity about how they want to play."

Cooper's Young Lions beat France by 2-0 in their second group game on Monday

Regardless of how the fixtures are going on Thursday – both matches are played simultaneously – Cooper is keen to see his players enforcing their own style on the game.

And whether that results in a win, draw or defeat, then the head coach will take solace in seeing England playing with the freedom and team-work he desires.

"Any game that England plays across all of our development teams, we try and play the same way," he revealed. 

"That’s to dominate possession and play with the ball, control the game, work hard when we don’t have it so we’re pressing to get the ball back – we’ve a number of consistent things we want to achieve when we’re playing our football. 

"So whether that’s Sweden, France or Denmark or anyone else in this competition we know how we want our game to look and we don’t always get everything right, that’s to be expected in youth football. 

"But that will always be our plan and it’s the same going in to Thursday’s game."