UNDER 21 INTERNATIONAL PREVIEW
Under 21 coach David Platt is hoping that Francis Jeffers' Goodison Park 'homecoming' will ensure that a large and passionate crowd will lift the England players to a new level after recent disappointments.
England are in grave danger of failing to qualify for the finals of the Under 21 championships after last week's 1-1 draw with Macedonia, a result which makes this game against Portugal a 'must-win' fixture.
Portugal have had the upper-hand over England in recent years and in the away tie the Portuguese ran out impressive 4-2 victors. A similar reverse at Goodison would mean curtains for Platt's young lions, so he's calling for an extra special effort from all concerned this evening to avert that particular scenario.
"It's ironic that Frannie's first game back at Goodison is for his country, not his club, but hopefully it will work in our favour because I'm sure the fans will turn out in force and get right behind both him, and also the team," he said.
"I want the crowd to try and lift the team but, by the same token, the players have to keep their side of the bargain and give the fans something to shout about. Between us, hopefully, we can get the result we need because we HAVE to win this game."
Platt's position as coach, and his eventual hopes of taking charge of the senior England side, have come under fire recently and he is reported to have had 'clear-the-air' talks with the Football Association ahead of last week's game against Macedonia.
Some reports have suggested that Platt's authoritarian style of management hasn't gone down well with some of the players. All I can say is that a bit more discipline from that particular dressing-room and the talent that oozes from the ranks of the Under 21s might just have been a torrent that could have swept them to the finals ahead of tonight's crucial game. As it is, nothing but a win will do.
England has been boosted by the return of three vital players, who all missed last week's Macedonia match. Captain Gareth Barry, David Prutton and Michael Dawson are all set to play and strengthen the team. But all eyes will be on Jeffers as he returns to his spiritual home for the first time since he rejoined former club Everton on a season-long loan from Arsenal.
Not only will it be an emotional return for the striker but he is just one goal away from breaking Alan Shearer's Under 21 scoring record, which he currently shares with the former England captain on 13. Jeffers says: "I've scored 13, which is not bad at all but I still want that record. It's an ambition and there will be no better place for me to do it than Everton."
As to the venue, the striker added: "It's going to be an emotional few days for me, England then Newcastle. To be honest I would rather be playing for Everton first but turning out for England will give me a taster of the emotions I will feel playing again at Goodison."
It's clear that England cannot possibly win the group but a victory over Portugal would then set the team up nicely for a tough match in Turkey (sounds familiar that) by which to clinch a possible place in the shake-up of the six best runners-up teams to go through to the play-offs.
Tonight's game also gives Chris Kirkland a chance to live up to the plaudit laid at his feet by Platt as 'the best young goalkeeper in the world'. The Under 21 coach praised the young Liverpool keeper thus and he promptly gave the goal away that cost victory in Macedonia, such is football. He can still be a hero tonight though, as can Jeffers.
