Aidy Boothroyd takes England Under-21s into their first Euro preparation games this week, expecting two tough encounters.
The Young Lions have been training at St. George’s Park this week, but have now moved south ahead of Thursday’s clash with Italy in Southampton and next Monday’s trip to France.
And the interim head coach believes both matches will provide a perfect test for the group, who sealed their place at next summer’s European Championship with victories over Kazakhstan and Bosnia & Herzegovina last month.
“As a coach I think it’s important to prepare against two very different major footballing countries,” revealed Boothroyd.
“The Italians will provide us with a different tactical problem - several different tactical problems - to solve because they are very flexible in how they play the game.
“They’re very cute and very organised on their set-plays and no matter how they play or what team they have, they tend to get really good results.
“They don’t lose many games so it will be a difficult game for us but we’ve got to learn how to deal with that sort of opponent.
“I want them to be able to cope with it, keep clean sheets and win games.
“We want to keep the winning run going but it’s a good opportunity to look at one or two other players and put another brick in the wall to prepare for the European Championships.”
Boothroyd took charge of the U21s for the first time last month after usual boss Gareth Southgate took over as interim senior team manager.
And with a five-month break after November’s games, the usual U20s boss admits he’s still unsure as to what will happen in the long term.
But with both the U21s and U20s qualified for major tournaments next summer, the former Watford boss knows it’s a big season for England.
“Once the game is over I would imagine there will be a period of quiet and a period of thought and then everybody will find out what they’re doing,” he admitted.
“Whether I go back to the U20s, stay with the U21s or go and work on the ground staff, I will have to just wait and see and that is it.
“I am very much enjoying the job, being around the staff and players, this is what it’s all about and I’m looking forward to the two games.
“We [Boothroyd and Southgate] work very closely because the U21s and the U20s are close age groups so I am sure it will be very informal and we will all know.
“But right now it’s about focusing on those games because it will be a nicer way to go into those meetings if there have been really good performances and we have managed to get something out of the two games.”
Tickets for the game with Italy in Southampton are on sale now and can be purchased at the prices below by clicking here.
Adults £10
Children £5
OAPs £5
Students £5 (Valid NUS card must apply)
Family ticket £20 (two adults and two children)
Disabled Full price according to age category with carer going free
Group bookings for 15 people or more (no age restrictions and bookable in advance only) £5 adults, £2.50 concessions
Charter Standard clubs Up to 15 complimentary tickets on proof of membership with any additional uptake at the group rate
