Boothroyd in talks to keep clubs onside
AIDY BOOTHROYD will visit leading Premier League clubs to iron out potential issues ahead of next summer’s Under 21 European Championship. The draw for the 12-team tournament in Italy and San Marino, which runs from June 16-30, is next Friday in Bologna. And England’s preparations begin this evening with a friendly against Italy in Ferrara. England will have an outstanding chance of success if Boothroyd, the Under 21 head coach, can select his best players, but he is aware the timing of Euro 2019 will potentially cause concerns for some clubs. If England were to reach the final, those involved would then be entitled to a three-week break, which would eat into clubs’ pre-season preparations. ‘I have never had difficulties before,’ said Boothroyd. ‘You have honest conversations. I am thinking about it all the time. ‘Fortunately there are lots of the managers I have a relationship with and that makes it easier. You can’t just say, “We are taking your players”. They are the clubs and we respect that.’ One player who has emerged in his plans is Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson, 18. Boothroyd will watch him play on December 9 for Hoffenheim against Borussia Dortmund, for whom Jadon Sancho has made such an impression. Sancho, too, is eligible for the Under 21s. TONIGHT: Italy U21 v England U21 (Ferrara). ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Walker-Peters, Tomori, Konsa, Da Silva; Cook, Davies; Gray, Foden, Solanke; Calvert-Lewin. TV: LIVE on BT Sport 1 from 5.15pm, kick-off 5.30.