YOUNG LIONS TOLD TO STOP SHOWBOATING
aiDY BOOtHrOYD has demanded england show andorra respect, as he urges his Under 21 side to remember they are not the Harlem globetrotters. the Young Lions took control of group 4 after brushing Scotland aside last Friday and should take another step towards euro 2019 when they face one of europe’s minnows this evening. the biggest win by an england Under 21 side was 9-0 against San Marino in Shrewsbury three years ago and there is enough talent in Boothroyd’s squad for them to challenge that scoreline in andorra. But there were times against Scotland when england were guilty of showboating and Boothroyd does not want to see anyone crossing the line towards arrogance. ‘My players are so skilful and comfortable on the ball, but one of my biggest concerns is that sometimes they can be too elaborate,’ said Boothroyd. ‘i keep telling them that we are not the Harlem globetrotters and we are not here to do tricks and fanny around. We can express ourselves by all means, but we are here to play as a team. ‘We know when we come up against the big-hitters there will be no time for all that. We don’t just want to emulate the likes of germany and Spain, we want to beat them. ‘Playing as individuals is not going to get us where we want to go. they know any complacency will see them out of the team. But they are good lads and there are no big-time Charlies. if they were, they would not be here.’
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1) Woodman; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Fry, Walker-Peters; Davies, Cook; Gray, Solanke, Calvert-Lewin; Abraham.