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Steve Cooper and his England camp looked in quite positive a mood as they addressed the press prior to their opening encounter against the Chile on Sunday in this mouth-watering Group F clash in Kolkata.
The England U17 side, who are one of the tournament favourites have a massive onus on them to perform well after trophy-laden displays by their U-19 and U-20 counterparts earlier this year. While England were crowned the European U19 Champions in July, the U-20 side achieved a feat that even the golden generation of the English senior squad couldn't as they lifted a FIFA World Cup. This was the first time that the Three Lions lifted such a title since 1966 and the days of Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Bobby Moore.
"The English youth sides have had a successful summer and we want to continue with that. Our main focus as a nation is to win the senior World Cup and the success in these youth tournaments give us hope and they will help us in the long run." said Cooper.
When asked about how they have been coping with the conditions and their preparations and how much the likes of India coach Stephen Constantine and the likes of Ashley Westwood have helped them Cooper said, "As soon as our qualification was confirmed, I was on the phone with the managers and the support staff that have been based here in India. Stephen Constantine has helped us, so has Ashley, who did his coaching badges with me at St.George's Park, so there was that instant connection and was only the matter of a phone call. They have already played here in Kolkata and thus their advice have been very helpful."
The Young Lions squad boasts of quality talent, who have already made quite an impact for their clubs, some even featuring for their senior sides in the Premier League and Championship. Captain Marc Guehi was also present to address the press, and spoke about how he was both excited and nervous at the same time, but is raring to go for the tournament.
Guehi, who plays for Chelsea's youth side, was also positive about this tournament being the right platform for them to make it big.
"It's a big tournament, it's a World Cup. It's a fantastic oppurtunity not only for us but for all the players to break into the first team in the years to come and I can't wait to get started," he said.
England believe their group is one of toughest and they can't wait to get started here in Kolkata.
"The Stadium is a magnificient one and it deserves to be the host of World Cup matches and we can't wait to play here in front of a capacity crowd," said coach Cooper.
"We begin our campaign against Chile, who are a strong side like all the teams in our group, but we play in a distinctive style and we will take the game to the opponent. We are not taking anyone for granted and can't wait to start tomorrow," he further added
