Skip to content

Lewis Baker insists England fear no team at European U21 Championship

Lewis Baker's goal helped England to a 3-0 win over Poland on Thursday
Image: Lewis Baker believes England can achieve "something big" at Euro 2017

England U21 midfielder Lewis Baker has vowed they have no fear as they plot Euro 2017 glory.

The Young Lions are into the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time since 2009 after winning Group A in Poland.

They have moved to Krakow from their previous base in Kielce as they prepare for Tuesday's last-four game against Germany in Tychy.

And Chelsea man Baker insisted England are not frightened of any team, including favourites Spain - who they can only meet in the final.

He said: "Yes definitely. I think the pressure has come off us a little bit now because we got through the group stages and into the semi-finals, but I know the boys want to go as far as we can and we're all looking to achieve something big.

England's Alfie Mawson celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Group A match at the Kolporter
Image: England will face Germany in the last four of the competition

"We've been in big games before like at the Toulon tournament last year when we won that. As a team and a squad we're used to playing together in important matches so we'll just take it in our stride.

"As you start playing more and more games the momentum starts building and the confidence builds and we've started playing like we know we can."

Also See:

Baker started the tournament playing further forward but has dropped deeper after John Swift was introduced in the second game - a 2-1 win over Slovakia.

Gray: Back young England stars
Gray: Back young England stars

Demarai Gray believes England's young stars must be given more of an opportunity with their respective club sides.

The 22-year-old, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, still scored a penalty in Thursday's 3-0 win over Poland which booked a semi-final spot, and he is happy with whatever role boss Aidy Boothroyd gives him.

He added: "Whatever the manager thinks is the best formation that is what we will go with.

"I like to do a bit of both defending and attacking, trying to get from box to box, is what my game is all about. Whatever the manager thinks is best we have to go with that."

Around Sky