BOOTHROYD BACKS KIDS TO CLEAN UP
England U21s v Switzerland U21s 2pm
AIDY BOOTHROYD is convinced his youngsters can make an impact on the Euros – because they fold up their dirty kit nicely after games.
The England Under-21 boss says the “humble” kids have the attitude to take on the best – led by skipper and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah (above) – and have better laundry habits than the 2019 squad, which went out at the group stage.
England take on Switzerland in their opening group game today, and Boothroyd said: “It is an exciting squad but a humble squad. They appreciate where they are.
“This group of players fold their kit up and put it in the right place for the kit man, whereas perhaps the ones before didn’t. Little things like that might be seen as trivial but are important things.
“That’s not to say last year’s were a load of wrong ‘uns, far from it. There were some great guys in there.
“Sometimes you’ve got to get it wrong to get it right and with that particular group they’ve all gone to a man to play Premier League for their clubs.”
Boothroyd (above) is under pressure to deliver in Slovenia, where his squad is in lockdown in a hotel for the next week, because his FA contract ends in the summer.
He said: “I’ve not thought about my personal situation. I enjoy what I’m doing. Players are coming through and results have been there over a long period. After that we’ll see.”
Boothroyd, who led England to a semi-final penalty shootout defeat to Germany four years ago, shunned the chance to choose Trent Alexander Arnold, who was eligible and not selected for the senior team. “There comes a time when he becomes a senior player,” said Boothroyd. “He wasn’t a consideration for us.” Nketiah, whose 14 goals is an England U-21 record, vowed to unleash against Switzerland his discontent at being left out of the Arsenal first team. “I’ve stayed dedicated and worked hard, and will channel that frustration,” he said. ENGLAND U-21: Ramsdale, Aarons, Guehi, Godfrey, R Sessegnon, Jones, Eze, Davies, Hudson-Odoi, SmithRowe, Nketiah