Foden the inspiration
STEVE COOPER believes his new England Under 17s should see their predecessors’ World Cup-winning success as an inspiration rather than a burden.
The head coach, just back from Calcutta where Phil Foden and co came from two goals down to thrash Spain 5-2 in the final, reckons his new crew can follow by winning the European Championships in the Midlands next May.
England’s mantle as world champions at this level was given a test at Burton Albion yesterday as they again had to come from behind to win 2-1 against Russia.
But winning from difficult positions is not the worst habit in the world and Cooper’s new Under 17s showed enough talent and resilience to indicate they can also strive for gold.
Second-half goals from Clinton Mola and Mason Greenwood enabled England to overcome ten-man Russia. And Cooper sees no reason why his latest squad cannot try to emulate his world champions.
He said: ‘Why not? I really believe in the talent that we have in England — all of the teams are showing that. We want to be as successful as we can while playing in a fashion that’s building for the future as well, so why can’t this season be the same?
‘I personally think it’s more inspirational and motivational than there being pressure.
‘But if they are playing under more pressure, it’s something they’re going to have to get used to because it only gets more.’