ENGLAND’S GROUP GAMES
DEMARAI GRAY will use the Under-21 Euros as a platform to prove his doubters wrong. The Leicester City star has had a taste of England senior action but is part of Aidy Boothroyd’s squad heading for Italy tomorrow. Gray admits his tally of goals and assists has to improve – and this summer’s tournament gives him the ideal time to deliver. Gray netted only five goals in 40 appearances last season and knows that is not enough for a Premier League forward. “What do I need to improve? My numbers,” he said. ”My goals and assists need to improve. I get a bit of criticism for that but I know myself that I need to improve.
“I’m 22 and have a lot of improving to do. I know it will come. Whatever doubts people have about me, I don’t mind. “It is frustrating for me as well but everyone’s journey is different and I know it will come.” Gray is a veteran of the last Euros when England lost to Germany on penalties in the semifinal. The pain remains.
He said: “I played the last group game and the semis and scored in both. Then of course we went out on penalties to Germany after we’d thrown the game away by being sloppy at a set-piece.
“That still annoys me because we were so close to winning it. “We battered Germany in the semi-final and were 2-1 up when we conceded the sloppy equaliser. “Everyone was raving about Spain in the tournament but Germany beat them in the final. We were so close. Now I think I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to go back and this time hopefully get to the end.
“It’s my birthday two days before the final but, forget that, I just want to win the tournament.”
The former Birmingham star, who joined Leicester in January 2016 for around £4million, says England will have to be on their game from the off in Italy because their opener is against fellow jointfavourites France.
Gray (left) added: “It is a proper tournament, similar to what you see with the seniors on TV, and a completely different ball game to the qualifiers and friendlies.
“One mistake or moment of sloppiness and it’s over, the Euros is gone.
“France is the first game and they are a team on our level. I see that game as a final, to be honest. We need to win that game. There is no time to ease your way into this tournament. The level is high and we are a good team but it’s not all about having the best names on the team sheet.”
Gray was part of Gareth Southgate’s senior squad for the friendly with Switzerland last September and he hopes to get another call from the Three Lions boss next season.
He said: “You often cross paths with him and he’ll always stop to talk with you. It’s good to have that communication with the senior manager.
“You often see Gareth in the stands. He and his staff are always watching us. He’s told us that when they come to watch us they watch us properly, even during the warmup. They are looking at every detail. You are representing your country and you need to do the business on the pitch.” v
Tuesday, June 18, 8pm v
Friday, June 21, 5.30pm v
Monday, June 24, 8pm