ENGLAND under 17s Head Coach Steve Cooper believes that his side will be heading into the unknown when they face Russia at the Pirelli Stadium, but is confident that the team will be ready for the test.
Cooper brings his team to the Pirelli on Saturday for the second game of a mini-tournament, which also contains Portugal and Germany, as the under 17s continue their preparation for next year’s UEFA European Championships.
The under 17s Head Coach says that Russia are not a team that his side have faced often, but is excited about the challenge that they pose.
“We know Portugal and Germany as federations quite well. We play against them a lot through all the age groups. They’re two countries with clear identities and playing styles and the way they perform on the pitch. It’s a different set of players as it always is. There’ll be some similarities to previous games against Portugal and Germany. Russia, we don’t play as much but I think that’s what’s exciting about these three games. It will be a different test.
“It’s really good that we’re playing teams from all different parts of Europe because when that final comes at the end of the year you don’t know who you’re going to draw and it is going to be guaranteed there’ll be teams from different parts of Europe. They are three strong games but three that we’ll be ready for, that’s for sure.”
You can buy tickets for Saturday’s England Under 17s game now.
The easiest way to purchase tickets is online by clicking here. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased over the phone (01283 565938) or in person by visiting the club shop during opening hours.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults - £3.00
Children - £1.50
Senior - £1.50
Students - £1.50 (valid NUS card)
Disabled – full price according to age category with carer going free.