Boothroyd trotting out hard truths

ENGLAND’S young guns have been told to shelve the showboating after Aidy Boothroyd said: “We’re not the Harlem Globetrotters.”

Boothroyd’s unbeaten Under-21s travel to Andorra tonight as strong favourites to pick up another win that will cement their place at the top of their Euro 2019 qualifying group.

Scotland were put to the sword on Friday with a dazzling display in a 3-1 victory to keep the Three Lions in pole position to make it to the finals in Italy and San Marino.

Boothroyd was full of praise for his rising stars, who showed Gareth Southgate’s labouring senior side how to win playing bright, attacking football as they swept the Scots aside.

They are expected to rack up a cricket score against the Andorrans but the manager reminded his troops it is hard graft and teamwork, and not fancy flicks, that will allow their quality to shine through.

He said: “My players are so skilful and comfortable on the ball, one of my biggest concerns is that sometimes they can be too elaborate.

“I keep telling them that we are not the Harlem Globetrotters and we are not here to do tricks and mess around. Playing as individuals isn’t going to get us where we want to go.

“We can express ourselves by all means, but we’re here to play as a team and we know that when we come up against the big hitters there will be no time for all that.”

Boothroyd, above, accepts his side are on a hiding to nothing as he prepares to ring the changes against the Group 4 whipping boys, who were beaten 6-0 at home by Ukraine last time out.

New York City’s former Manchester United trainee Jack Harrison hopes to make his first start at this level, with Everton duo Tom Davies and Ademola Lookman and Newcastle keeper Freddie Woodman all pushing to come into the starting line-up.

“It’s a massive banana skin,” said Boothroyd. “If we don’t score lots, people will criticise us; if we do score lots of goals, people will dismiss it and say, ‘It’s only Andorra’.”