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Coffee and TV
Player Valuation: £25m
http://www.thefa.com/news/england/d...-ryan-ledson-hardest-time-of-my-career-131115
Ryan Ledson joyful after 'toughest spell of career'
And the youngster rewarded the head coach’s faith in him by netting the first goal to launch a comeback against Holland on Thursday evening to help England fightback from two-down to earn a 2-2 draw.
“It was a really hard time for me and probably the toughest of my young career so far,” admitted the 18-year-old to TheFA.com.
“Not being in the first couple of squads was hurtful, but I knew I had to get my head down and work hard on the training pitch to earn another shot.
“I got that opportunity on Thursday, I think I did well and got the goal, so I’m really happy to be back.”
Ryan Ledson lifts the Euro U17 Championship trophy
The contest with Holland was nothing new for Ledson and the majority of his team-mates.
Not only did they defeat them in the final of the Euros two seasons ago, but they also romped to 4-1 and 3-1 victories over them last year and U18s level.
And he believes their hosts had a bit of payback on their mind heading into their latest battle.
“I think there still is a bit of that," he continued. "Both sides had a few of the lads there that were included at the Euros so I think they will have wanted a bit of revenge.
“We have played them and beat them twice since then last season, and both teams know each other inside out.”
Ledson, who made his senior debut for the Toffees during the 2014-15 campaign, added: “We had a game plan to try and show them out wide to avoid their best players, and we were a bit unfortunate to go in behind at the break. We could quite easily have gone in drawing or ahead at half time.
“Then we made a mistake from a throw-in and they scored just after the restart, so that put us right on the back foot.”
For most sides in that situation the remainder of the contest would have become a damage limitation job, but this group of Young Lions are made of sterner stuff according to Ledson.
“To be honest we looked a bit stiff in the middle, but then we brought Tammy Abraham and Ainsley Maitland-Niles on and we looked a different side.
“I don’t score many so it was nice to get us back in the game. I’ve battled to get my shot off and test the keeper, he has made a save and I’ve managed to get the rebound.
Ledson's last goal for England was against Poland 12 months ago
“Then it was Ainsley who put in a great ball for Tammy to knock it in. That just shows the team spirit within this squad – even if you don’t start you can still make an impact.”
And despite it only being a friendly, continuing the Young Lions’ unbeaten start to the campaign will have a major impact on their psyche says the tough-tackler Ledson.
“It definitely gives us momentum. Every other nation will look at the result, and we have got good results away from home against the best teams.
“It can only drive us forwards towards the Euros and teams will be looking at us and thinking we are strong.”
Ledson and his team-mates flew back into Manchester on Friday after to continue their preparations for Sunday’s clash with Japan, another contest the youngster will be looking to leave his mark on.
“Every time I pull on a shirt for England I give it absolutely everything I have got. This is a very strong age group, and just to be involved shows each player they are doing well.
“So now we move on to the Japan game where everyone, not just myself, will be looking to prove to the manager that they deserve to be here and impress ahead.”
Ryan Ledson joyful after 'toughest spell of career'
- Ryan Ledson admits his relief at being back in the England fold
And the youngster rewarded the head coach’s faith in him by netting the first goal to launch a comeback against Holland on Thursday evening to help England fightback from two-down to earn a 2-2 draw.
“It was a really hard time for me and probably the toughest of my young career so far,” admitted the 18-year-old to TheFA.com.
“Not being in the first couple of squads was hurtful, but I knew I had to get my head down and work hard on the training pitch to earn another shot.
“I got that opportunity on Thursday, I think I did well and got the goal, so I’m really happy to be back.”
Ryan Ledson lifts the Euro U17 Championship trophy
The contest with Holland was nothing new for Ledson and the majority of his team-mates.
Not only did they defeat them in the final of the Euros two seasons ago, but they also romped to 4-1 and 3-1 victories over them last year and U18s level.
And he believes their hosts had a bit of payback on their mind heading into their latest battle.
“I think there still is a bit of that," he continued. "Both sides had a few of the lads there that were included at the Euros so I think they will have wanted a bit of revenge.
“We have played them and beat them twice since then last season, and both teams know each other inside out.”
Ledson, who made his senior debut for the Toffees during the 2014-15 campaign, added: “We had a game plan to try and show them out wide to avoid their best players, and we were a bit unfortunate to go in behind at the break. We could quite easily have gone in drawing or ahead at half time.
“Then we made a mistake from a throw-in and they scored just after the restart, so that put us right on the back foot.”
For most sides in that situation the remainder of the contest would have become a damage limitation job, but this group of Young Lions are made of sterner stuff according to Ledson.
“To be honest we looked a bit stiff in the middle, but then we brought Tammy Abraham and Ainsley Maitland-Niles on and we looked a different side.
“I don’t score many so it was nice to get us back in the game. I’ve battled to get my shot off and test the keeper, he has made a save and I’ve managed to get the rebound.
Ledson's last goal for England was against Poland 12 months ago
“Then it was Ainsley who put in a great ball for Tammy to knock it in. That just shows the team spirit within this squad – even if you don’t start you can still make an impact.”
And despite it only being a friendly, continuing the Young Lions’ unbeaten start to the campaign will have a major impact on their psyche says the tough-tackler Ledson.
“It definitely gives us momentum. Every other nation will look at the result, and we have got good results away from home against the best teams.
“It can only drive us forwards towards the Euros and teams will be looking at us and thinking we are strong.”
Ledson and his team-mates flew back into Manchester on Friday after to continue their preparations for Sunday’s clash with Japan, another contest the youngster will be looking to leave his mark on.
“Every time I pull on a shirt for England I give it absolutely everything I have got. This is a very strong age group, and just to be involved shows each player they are doing well.
“So now we move on to the Japan game where everyone, not just myself, will be looking to prove to the manager that they deserve to be here and impress ahead.”
Zatara
Player Valuation: £100m
Speaks very well there and of course he's still only 18 despite being on the scene for a couple of seasons now.
It would be ideal if he can push into the first team just as Barry starts winding down.
We've managed to bring through a very strong group of young defenders (either signed or through the youth teams) and it appears that Ledson and others are now just below the surface to hopefully begin adding to the midfield...
Defence -- Garbutt, Galloway, Browning,Holgate and perhaps Kenny coming through.
Midfield -- Ledson, Dowell, Walsh,Henen hopefully and perhaps others.
If we/they succeed then thats a really phenomenal base for the squad.
It would be ideal if he can push into the first team just as Barry starts winding down.
We've managed to bring through a very strong group of young defenders (either signed or through the youth teams) and it appears that Ledson and others are now just below the surface to hopefully begin adding to the midfield...
Defence -- Garbutt, Galloway, Browning,Holgate and perhaps Kenny coming through.
Midfield -- Ledson, Dowell, Walsh,Henen hopefully and perhaps others.
If we/they succeed then thats a really phenomenal base for the squad.
http://www.thefa.com/news/england/d...-ryan-ledson-hardest-time-of-my-career-131115
Ryan Ledson joyful after 'toughest spell of career'
Ahead of this week’s double-header against Holland and Japan, U19s boss Aidy Boothroyd handed Ledson an opportunity to impress by calling him back into the international fold.
- Ryan Ledson admits his relief at being back in the England fold
And the youngster rewarded the head coach’s faith in him by netting the first goal to launch a comeback against Holland on Thursday evening to help England fightback from two-down to earn a 2-2 draw.
“It was a really hard time for me and probably the toughest of my young career so far,” admitted the 18-year-old to TheFA.com.
“Not being in the first couple of squads was hurtful, but I knew I had to get my head down and work hard on the training pitch to earn another shot.
“I got that opportunity on Thursday, I think I did well and got the goal, so I’m really happy to be back.”
Ryan Ledson lifts the Euro U17 Championship trophy
The contest with Holland was nothing new for Ledson and the majority of his team-mates.
Not only did they defeat them in the final of the Euros two seasons ago, but they also romped to 4-1 and 3-1 victories over them last year and U18s level.
And he believes their hosts had a bit of payback on their mind heading into their latest battle.
“I think there still is a bit of that," he continued. "Both sides had a few of the lads there that were included at the Euros so I think they will have wanted a bit of revenge.
“We have played them and beat them twice since then last season, and both teams know each other inside out.”
Ledson, who made his senior debut for the Toffees during the 2014-15 campaign, added: “We had a game plan to try and show them out wide to avoid their best players, and we were a bit unfortunate to go in behind at the break. We could quite easily have gone in drawing or ahead at half time.
“Then we made a mistake from a throw-in and they scored just after the restart, so that put us right on the back foot.”
For most sides in that situation the remainder of the contest would have become a damage limitation job, but this group of Young Lions are made of sterner stuff according to Ledson.
“To be honest we looked a bit stiff in the middle, but then we brought Tammy Abraham and Ainsley Maitland-Niles on and we looked a different side.
“I don’t score many so it was nice to get us back in the game. I’ve battled to get my shot off and test the keeper, he has made a save and I’ve managed to get the rebound.
Ledson's last goal for England was against Poland 12 months ago
“Then it was Ainsley who put in a great ball for Tammy to knock it in. That just shows the team spirit within this squad – even if you don’t start you can still make an impact.”
And despite it only being a friendly, continuing the Young Lions’ unbeaten start to the campaign will have a major impact on their psyche says the tough-tackler Ledson.
“It definitely gives us momentum. Every other nation will look at the result, and we have got good results away from home against the best teams.
“It can only drive us forwards towards the Euros and teams will be looking at us and thinking we are strong.”
Ledson and his team-mates flew back into Manchester on Friday after to continue their preparations for Sunday’s clash with Japan, another contest the youngster will be looking to leave his mark on.
“Every time I pull on a shirt for England I give it absolutely everything I have got. This is a very strong age group, and just to be involved shows each player they are doing well.
“So now we move on to the Japan game where everyone, not just myself, will be looking to prove to the manager that they deserve to be here and impress ahead.”
Ring master
Player Valuation: £90m
Stoke u18s 3 Everton u18s 4
Match report from stoke's point of view
http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/u18s-edged-out-in-seven-goal-thriller-2802094.aspx
Match report from stoke's point of view
http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/u18s-edged-out-in-seven-goal-thriller-2802094.aspx
Coffee and TV
Player Valuation: £25m
Sounds like a great game that, 2-0 down, turn the game round to make it 3-2, they bring it back to 3-3, then they have someone sent off, we get a goal ruled out for offside then a penalty appeal turned down but in the last few seconds of extra time Evans scores the winner.
@england: England U19s starting XI v Japan: Woodman, Kenny, Adarabioyo, Moore (C), Connolly, Cook, Oxford, Maitland-Niles, Onomah, Roberts, Abraham
@connolly1997: Game day vs Japan, BT Sport 2. 3 o'clock kick off
@connolly1997: Game day vs Japan, BT Sport 2. 3 o'clock kick off
Coffee and TV
Player Valuation: £25m
Seems to be all the players that didn't start vs Holland
Yes, was surprised Connolly and Kenny both on the bench last game.
England win 5-1 , Connolly , Kenny play full game , Ledson all of second half. I had time to watch it properly on TV , stopping, re winding and looking specifically at how our boys were doing,how they were positioned , passes they made etc. I was impressed with all three.
Kenny for me looks the most mature of our bunch. He started slowly attacking wise , but was soon into his stride getting some good crosses in and it was his cross which led to the third goal. Defensively he was very sound and always well positioned , looking calm on the ball and pushing a number of passes down his wing for forwards to run onto .
Connolly had a great game , was up in attack on numerous occasions and it was his excellent run into the box where he was tripped which led to a penalty which was subsequently missed. He was more of an attacking force than Kenny. Late in the second half he was moved up into midfield where he played alongside Ledson in a 4231 formation for a while and again looked very comfortable playing there. Although he's been used by Everton in midfield I'm not sure he has played alongside Ledson as the DM 2 before. He's a talented player comfortable as a CB too , but maybe ultimately an athletic LB who can both defend and get forward.
It was nice to see Ledson starting the second half, and really he looked just like you'd expect him to play. He dropped deep to pick up the short ball, was spraying long balls forward ,making short passes where necessary,closing down the midfield , linking well with Kenny. If you've seen Ledson play for Everton and England before then he was just doing exactly the same as he's always done. If people are expecting Barkley like play and progression with surging runs from the back then they will continue to be disappointed.Has he progressed ? Hard to say on 45 mins play , but he certainly hasn't regressed. There have been all kinds of reports about night clubs ,attitude , going back wards etc but as far as I could tell this was Ledson doing exactly what he has done for the previous 2 seasons in a DM role. I can see no reason why he wouldn't be a key player in the England u 19 team or Everton;s u21.He still makes mistakes , is still learning and at 18 can get only better but it was solid performance from him.
I enjoyed the game and as I said really concentrated on our boys, but England have some talented players up front at this level.
Kenny for me looks the most mature of our bunch. He started slowly attacking wise , but was soon into his stride getting some good crosses in and it was his cross which led to the third goal. Defensively he was very sound and always well positioned , looking calm on the ball and pushing a number of passes down his wing for forwards to run onto .
Connolly had a great game , was up in attack on numerous occasions and it was his excellent run into the box where he was tripped which led to a penalty which was subsequently missed. He was more of an attacking force than Kenny. Late in the second half he was moved up into midfield where he played alongside Ledson in a 4231 formation for a while and again looked very comfortable playing there. Although he's been used by Everton in midfield I'm not sure he has played alongside Ledson as the DM 2 before. He's a talented player comfortable as a CB too , but maybe ultimately an athletic LB who can both defend and get forward.
It was nice to see Ledson starting the second half, and really he looked just like you'd expect him to play. He dropped deep to pick up the short ball, was spraying long balls forward ,making short passes where necessary,closing down the midfield , linking well with Kenny. If you've seen Ledson play for Everton and England before then he was just doing exactly the same as he's always done. If people are expecting Barkley like play and progression with surging runs from the back then they will continue to be disappointed.Has he progressed ? Hard to say on 45 mins play , but he certainly hasn't regressed. There have been all kinds of reports about night clubs ,attitude , going back wards etc but as far as I could tell this was Ledson doing exactly what he has done for the previous 2 seasons in a DM role. I can see no reason why he wouldn't be a key player in the England u 19 team or Everton;s u21.He still makes mistakes , is still learning and at 18 can get only better but it was solid performance from him.
I enjoyed the game and as I said really concentrated on our boys, but England have some talented players up front at this level.
Raino85
Player Valuation: £40m
Great to see Kieran Dowell back. He is probably the one player out of the number of promising ones I am looking forward to seeing develop
.....I haven't seen any links to action from the recent U18 games. Surprised, especially from the match v Man Utd. Apologies if I have missed them.
Here you go Eggs
There are a few more on the Everton Youtube channel but here is the Utd one you mentioned
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..brilliant, many thanks. That is some game at Stoke and I love the reaction after the last goal.
Aye, the entire team were clearly made up - must have been a rollercoaster of emotions for them.
...England U21 playing now on BT, not sure if we have anybody involved.