England must continue to challenge for trophies, says U19s head coach Keith Downing

Monday 17 Jul 2017

Success breeds success as England have discovered, but triumphant U19s head coach Keith Downing desires more than just a golden summer.

Downing’s squad emulated the Young Lions teams at the U20 World Cup and Toulon Tournament as they boarded the plane home from Georgia with the European U19 Championship trophy in tow.

Add in European Championship runners-up medals acquired by the U17s and the corridors of St. George’s Park are soon to be trodden by a plethora of decorated young players.

Downing though, hopes this is just the beginning.

“We have heavily invested in St. George’s Park in the last five years and what we need to do now is sustain this success and keep working through all the age groups,” he said.

“It’s been a big year for us, we’ll enjoy it, but there’s continual work to do.

“A lot of the players know each other from their clubs. We were at a pre-tournament camp in Spain in June and watched the U20s final. There was a lot of cheering when the goal went in.

“Players enjoy playing for England and the incentive is there to win tournaments.”

Fans around the country will be hopeful some of the Young Lions who have proved so impressive this summer can make an impact at first-team level with their clubs.

Whether or not they get the chance to remains to be seen, but Downing is confident chances will be there for the cream to rise to the top.

“If they can get an opportunity to play I’m sure some of them will prove they are capable, it’s just getting that pathway right,” added Downing.

“Each club does it differently, some send them out on loan, some have them travel with their first team – it’s up to the managers.

“But there is talent there and if they get opportunities I’m sure they’ll take it.

“The relationship between The FA and football clubs is getting better. More players are being allowed to come out and play for their country to gain experiences like they just have.

“We want English players to play in the Premier League and the more that do, the better it is for everyone.

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“Winning tournaments at junior age doesn’t guarantee you will play first-team football. But what it does show is there is a depth of talent and when you’re playing against European and World teams – in the case of the U20s – it shows we are capable of performing.”

Mobile phones throughout the U19s camp scarcely stopped buzzing all weekend.

And Downing revealed England manager Gareth Southgate was among the initial well-wishers.

“Gareth Southgate was one of the first to send me messages. He’s very supportive and knows the development scene, so he wants a regular link to the first team so there’s talent for him in the future,” said Downing.

“There’s one or two who will feature in the next few years. Hopefully if they can get the right development and opportunities they will have a bright future.”

By Josh Richards Digital Producer

'England must build on golden summer'