Andre Green says he and his England U17s team-mates are all hurting after the humbling against Holland – but they are determined to claw back their pride against Portugal on Sunday.
The Young Lions were crushed 7-0 by the Dutch on Friday in their opening game of the Algarve Tournament, but they have the chance to bounce back from that when they take on the host nation.
“We are feeling down. It’s hard – no team should get beat like that,” admitted the Aston Villa youngster.
Portugal v England
The U17s Algarve Tournament
3.30pm, Sunday 15 February
Nora Stadium, Ferreiras
“Not just individually, but as a team we are all hurting. We are in it together.
“After the second goal went in, our heads just went a bit and that cannot happen again. We have to stay in the right frame of mind and believe that we can get back into it.”
Green appeared as a second-half substitute to make his first appearance for his country since representing the U16s last February.
And although the game is one he would like to forget, Green is pleased to have been given an opportunity at international level again.
“It’s always good to be in the squad. I’ve been on standby a few times, so to come out here was great.
“I just enjoy playing football for my country, and although I don’t like getting beat, the games here come thick and fast.”
'As a team we are hurting. We are all in it together'
The attacker is hoping to get the nod from head coach John Peacock to take on Portugal, allowing him to assist his side in clawing back some pride after their nightmare start to the tournament.
“We have a chance to put things right against Portugal, and it’s good that there is only a day inbetween the matches,” he added.
“We know everyone at home has seen that result and we want to prove them wrong. We have to keep our heads down until the game, stick together as a team and really dig deep.
“We need to get that togetherness going both on and off the pitch and go out there on Sunday as a team and try and get our pride back.”
