Lion cubs are ready to roar too
England U21 v Holland U21 Kick-off 7.45pm
AIDY BOOTHROYD hopes the World Cup feel-good factor can rub off on his Young Lions.
Boothroyd’s England Under-21s return to action against Holland as they continue their bid to reach Euro 2019.
After leading England to Toulon Tournament glory in the summer, he was invited to Russia by seniors boss Gareth Southgate and saw first hand how the Three Lions went about reaching the semi-finals.
Boothroyd said: “It really can spur us on to bigger and better things.
“It gave everybody a lift across the country, as well as those working around the England teams, to see what we’re doing is turning into some sort of fruition.”
England are top of Group Four going into their Carrow Road clash with the Dutch. Victory tonight and in Latvia on Tuesday will clinch top spot and a place in next summer’s finals in Italy and San Marino.
Boothroyd added: “It’s a really good tournament, it’s the strongest teams in Europe and the next best thing for young players to feel what it’s like to play in big stadiums against really good players.”
He could hand debuts to Derby’s Chelsea loanee Mason Mount and Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Keeper Angus Gunn and playmaker James Maddison will also be hoping to play at their former club Norwich.