England Supporters Club

Gareth Southgate says Sky Blue thinking can lift U21s in Coventry

Posted by Team England at 09:42 on Tuesday 13 October 2015

Gareth Southgate is hoping the feelgood factor at Coventry City can help England Under-21s get more support at the Ricoh Arena.

The Three Lions take on Kazakhstan at the venue on Tuesday evening in what is their first home game of the new Euro Qualifying campaign.

And with the Sky Blues currently riding high in League One, the head coach is keen to see some of their fans out in force as England aim to make it two wins from two in their group.

"It’s a good stadium and it looks like we’re going to get a decent crowd and hopefully we can put on a performance," he said

"Usually when a club are doing well, supporters are in a good frame of mind and historically, that has helped the crowds for our matches as well.

"I think there will be a lot of interest in the game and it’s a chance to see a new U21 team with some exciting names and lots of players who are playing Premier League football this year.

"And we’re hoping to play in a style that will see the fans go home very happy."

There is also an English feel to Coventry City at the moment with Under-19s striker Adam Armstrong leading the scoring charts after joining on loan from Newcastle United and U20s pair Ryan Kent and Bryn Morris also on loan from Liverpool and Middlesbrough respectively.

And City boss Tony Mowbray has an insight into the work of England’s development teams, with his assistant coach Jamie Clapham having spent time working with various Young Lions last season.



"I know Tony Mowbray really well so it’s been good to see him back involved in the game and having success with the team because he’s a good manager," added Southgate.

"They have some players from our development squads on loan, with Newcastle’s Adam Armstrong from our U19s, Middlesbrough’s Bryn Morris and Liverpool’s Ryan Kent from our U20s.

"He also has Jamie Clapham working as his assistant, after spending time coaching some of our development teams last season, and they’re both very good at dealing with young players so it will be a great experience for the three of them to come here and play League football.

"That experience is invaluable and they’re also producing the performances so it’s not just one-way."

Tickets for the game cost £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, call 0247 678 6411 for more details. Or if you can't attend, watch the game on BT Sport 2. Kick off is at 5.45pm.