Aidy Boothroyd believes he’s in an enviable position as England U21s turn their attention to next summer’s Euro Finals.
The Young Lions sealed their qualification for the tournament in Italy and San Marino thanks to victories over Andorra and Scotland this month, which saw them finish Group 4 with an eight-point cushion over second-placed Netherlands.
And having used no fewer than 38 players over the course of the qualification campaign, the head coach admits he’s going to have plenty of choice when it comes to making his final selection.
“For me, it’s a nice place to be in,” he said.
“We need some continuity and consistency and although I’ve mixed it up across the campaign, for a number of different reasons, I’ve seen everybody now and I know what I’ve got.
“We know we have a very talented squad, but there is room for improvement and a lot of those players are already up with Gareth in the senior squad.
“I can’t see some of the ‘big-hitters’ coming back as they’re now senior internationals and it’s part of my job to get them through and develop them as people and players and also to win.
“They’re the three key things we need to do and if we miss out on one or two that could play, then that’s fine providing they’re playing senior football.
“It’s my job to make sure that if I want those who come back down they will be motivated, which they will be. I have no qualms about that, they’re good guys and characters.
“But when you see young players like Reiss Nelson, Phil Foden and Ryan Sessegnon, outstanding talents, it makes it competitive for places which can only help me.”
Nelson, called up from the U20s squad for these games, was the one who broke the deadlock against Scotland too, with a wicked free-kick in the second half setting England on course for a 2-0 victory at Tynecastle.
And Boothroyd has been left impressed by the confidence on show from the Arsenal ace, currently on loan at German club Hoffenheim.
“I was trying to get Dominic Solanke on it as he has a similar trick in his bag, but Reiss decided to take it,” laughed the former Watford boss.
“He’s a confident young fella and he’s put it in the top corner and it’s an un-saveable free-kick.
“When games are tight and you’ve got somebody who can do that, it makes it a little bit easier for us on the side
“I wasn’t disappointed by what I saw from Scotland, they’re always very tough opponents and difficult to play against and you’re always worrying that they’re going to get that counter attack goal.
“It was an even game and two real bits of quality won us the game in the end.”
