Euros target driving Gray
DEMARAI GRAY insists he will use the Under-21 Euros with England as a platform to prove his “doubters” wrong.
The Leicester star has had a taste of England senior squad action, but is part of Aidy Boothroyd’s squad heading for Italy tomorrow.
Gray admits the number of goals and assists he gets has to improve and reckons this summer is the time to deliver, ahead of an important season with Brendan Rodgers at the Foxes.
He netted five goals in 40 appearances last season and wants more.
He said: “What do I need to improve? My numbers. My goals and assists need to improve.
“I might get a bit of criticism for that, but I know it myself.
“I’m 22 and am still improving and I have a lot of improving to do. I know it will come. Whatever doubts people have about me I don’t mind. It is frustrating for me as well but everyone’s journey is different and I know it will come.”
Gray is a veteran of the last Euros when England lost to Germany on penalties in the semi-final. The experience remains an annoyance.
He said: “I played the last group game and the semis and scored in both. Then, of course, we went out on penalties to Germany after we’d thrown the game away by being sloppy at a set-piece.
“We battered Germany in the semi-final and were 2-1 up when we conceded. That annoys me because we were so close to winning it.
“Now I think I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to go back and this time hopefully go to the end. It’s my birthday two days before the final but I just want to win the tournament.”