England not looking further than Japan in U-17 W. Cup
kolkata — England are looking no further than the pre-quarterfinal game against Japan here on Tuesday and the team would not get carried away by their perfect finish in Group F, coach Steve Cooper said.
The Young Lions won all three of their games in resounding fashion scoring 11 goals and leaking just two.
“It was business as usual for us. We weed to look back at the things we did really well. And rest, recover, prepare and get a plan ready for a strong Japan team. We are happy still to be here at Kolkata. It was important we got the result tonight make that happen,” Cooper told reporters at a post match press conference here after England
It was business as usual for us. We weed to look back at the things we did really well
Steve Cooper
thrash Iraq 4-0 in their last group engagement.
“We are pleased with qualification and returning with nine points, scoring 11 goals and conceding two. That’s very pleasing. The first objective was to get out of the group and to do it as top team in a tough group is something that the players should get a lot of recognition for.
“But we are looking no further than Japan. Nobody’s going to get carried away. It’s really important that we reflect on the good things that happened tonight some of the things we can improve on as well. We always have the mentality of how we can get better and strive to reach even better levels.
“The group is very together. They have all had experience of playing in this wonderful event and at this wonderful stadium. They have all had good returns from this tournament so far. The obvious ones are the points and scoring some goals. But we are also planning for the long term as well. The outfield players have had substantial minutes on the pitch but we have only had three games. It’s something that is very pleasing,” the coach said. —