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Writes: Evan Halliday
The news has broken that EAFA have raised enough money to allow the Men’s national team to compete at the European Championships this summer, and April presents the first camp in which everyone involved can focus on moving forward.
Chelsea and England midfielder Harry Ash feels it’s a ‘big relief’ for the fundraising to have been successful.
The 24-year-old said, “It’s obviously a big relief and we are very grateful to everyone who spread the word and donated and from a player’s point of view, to have such a dedicated group of staff is so invaluable when things like this occur.”
Both players and staff will travel to a collection of friendlies in Turkey this month, a great
opportunity for the lads to get some high-quality minutes under their belt ahead of their trip to Evian, France (host city for the Euros) in June.
This upcoming camp represents the last regrouping prior to those valuable games and will be a good marker as to where the squad is up to.
Smash (Harry Ash’s nickname) highlights the importance of international friendlies for the squad, he said: “It’s been disappointing not to have played an international since the Amp Futbol Cup in September and I’m sure everyone feels that way but unfortunately that’s beyond anyone’s’ control.
“The chance coming up to play and test ourselves in friendlies is a great opportunity and the more prepared we can be for the Euros the better.”
Looking to the weekend’s training camp, Ash said, “I’m feeling positive, it’s always good to get back together and everyone’s individual efforts away from camps are contributing to the collective effort, driving us all on.”
Everyone’s main focus is on the Euros and Harry believes the squads experience is just one of many things that will get England over the line in France.
“As a group we are doing well, hopefully we peak at the right time but that’s the same with any major tournament.
“I do feel we are and will be as prepared as we’ve ever been for a competition, on a personal level I feel having experienced the World Cup, Nations League and a couple of Amp Cups that has helped me take some really big steps in my game and my contribution to the team,” he said.
As with each passing camp we take one step closer to the European Championships and everyone at EAFA would like to once again thank you for your support and belief in the programme. We are unstoppable together.