England Supporters Club

U17's Manager Peacock relishing his 'favourite time of the year'

Posted by Team England at 14:16 on Tuesday 05 May 2015

John Peacock admits excitement is setting in as he prepares for his “favourite time of the year” – the kick off to the European Under-17 Championship.

The Young Lions arrived in Bulgaria on Sunday ahead of their tournament opener with Italy in four days.

With Holland and Republic of Ireland as the other group opponents, and the format expanded from eight teams to 16, the two-time winner knows it will be a tough task to retain the crown he lifted last summer – but it is something he is relishing.

“It is my favourite time of year. It’s a challenge for all of us. As coaches, as players, as staff, we all look forward to a challenge and I think it will be definitely an interesting tournament.

“There are some good teams here, but we’ve got a lot to look forward to,” he told TheFA.com at the team hotel in Pomorie.

“It is a change in the format of the tournament, and it’s the first time I’ve experienced it with 16 teams. We had eight teams all together in Malta last year, but with 16 it will be interesting to see how everyone copes with it. I’m sure we’ll be fine.

“We’ve travelled over really well, the lads managed themselves really well. Now the focus turns firmly to the football as the tournament gets started.”

Having gone all the way in the tournament twice and reached another Final, the experienced head coach knows how important a good start is.

“It’s critical – that’s a strong word but it’s important to get something on the board in your first game. There’s an element of leeway if it doesn’t happen as it’s two teams that progress, but you need to put yourself in a good place,” he explained.

“England v Italy is always a great game. We played each other at the beginning of the season, but a lot has changed since then and these games are always special whatever level they are played at.

“We are all really excited for it, and I’m sure Italy are too, so it should be a real entertaining game on Thursday.”

Peacock’s squad have experienced a rollercoaster ride this campaign. A 100 per cent qualification record was achieved, but a heavy defeat against Holland in February was a bitter pill to swallow.

But these experiences have all been vital in ensuring England are fully-prepared for this month’s showpiece according to the boss.

“There has been some highs and lows, but you know what, to be honest, if everything is always plain sailing that’s when complacency sets in,” added Peacock.

“I think it’s nice to take a good look at players throughout the year, and that’s not underestimating what a great accolade it is to represent England, but sometimes it’s important to look at the whole make up of the squad.

“We’ve done that and looked at the dynamics this season, so ups and downs were always going to happen.

“Thankfully I’ve been in the game a long time and understand that you will get blips along the way, but our ultimate aim was to qualify and we achieved that. Now that we are here we want to make a good account of ourselves.”

England U17s’ opening European Championship match with Italy will be live on Eurosport, kick-off 5pm UK time, on Thursday 7 May.

You can keep updated with all the latest news from the camp in Bulgaria by following @England on Twitter.