Nathan wants a final flourish

NATHAN REDMOND is aiming for one last stab at glory with the Under-21s.

The Southampton winger is eyeing victory at this year’s European U21 Championship as his last hurrah for the Young Lions.

Redmond made his senior debut as a second-half substitute against Germany after being handed his first call-up by manager Gareth Southgate.

The U21s face Germany in Wiesbaden tonight before a trip to Denmark on Monday as they prepare for the summer tournament in Poland. It is Redmond’s last chance to represent them as he has just turned 23 – having been under the age threshold when qualifying began – and he wants to go out with a bang after being eliminated at the group stage in 2015 and 2013.

“Me and Nathaniel Chalobah have been to the Euros twice and we know what it’s like to lose twice,” said Redmond, who has 34 U21 caps.

“We want to get out of the group, push for the knock-out stages and get to the final. We have got aspirations to win something. We know that feeling because we won the Toulon Tournament last summer, and the feeling of winning something in an England shirt is rare and something you never forget.

“We want to take that experience. We know what it’s like to lose and win, and now we have to take that into the summer.”

Southampton team-mate and U21 captain James Ward-Prowse also made his senior debut in Dortmund but has echoed Redmond in his desire to play for Aidy Boothroyd’s side in the summer. England face hosts Poland, holders Sweden and Slovakia in Kielce in June and Swansea defender Alfie Mawson believes their next two friendly games provide ideal preparation.

“They are two good footballing sides, you only have to look at their senior teams and that’s bred through their younger sides,” he said.

“It will be a tough test and that’s what we need. You want to be testing yourself for what’s coming. It’s not going to be an easy tournament, but we’ve got the ability and hopefully we can go all the way and lift the trophy.”