Boothroyd insists Under-21s required to ‘finish on a high’
ENGLAND UNDER-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd has challenged his side to complete the job in Scotland and continue their unbeaten record.
The Young Lions face Scotland at Tynecastle tonight having booked their spot at Euro 2019.
A 7-0 thumping of Andorra last Thursday ensured they will top Group Four ahead of next year’s tournament in Italy and San Marino.
The Under-21s have now qualified for seven straight tournaments and are unbeaten in 34 qualification games – a run Boothroyd is keen to extend.
He said: “If you’re doing well then people tell you records like that, which is great,. It’s important I just keep doing my bit and make sure the players are right so we can keep it going.
“Qualifying for tournaments is what we’re all about and it helps the players grow and gives them opportunities.
“We want to finish on a high, we want to make sure we play and perform well.
“Scotland are always difficult opponents. We have played them a few times recently – in Toulon, in Middlesbrough (both 3-1 wins) and I don’t expect anything other than a partisan atmosphere for us.
“It’s what the players want, local derbies, games where there is expectation.”
West Brom’s loanee from Leicester Harvey Barnes and Aston Villa’s on-loan Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham are likely to feature with Boothroyd ready to make changes for the match in Edinburgh. Reiss Nelson and Dominic Solanke are also pushing to start after scoring as second-half substitutes in Chesterfield on Thursday.
“There will be a few players who will get a chance. Harvey has been exceptional, I’ve been really impressed with him,” Boothroyd added.