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Writes: Evan Halliday
With just over six weeks to go until the European Championships in France, Scott Rogers’ team are doing everything they can to ensure the squad has ‘absolute clarity’ in what is expected of them come June.
Up next on the road to the Euros is a five day trip to Turkey this week (19th April) which Rogers said is ‘crucial for preparations.’
The gaffer said: “We will have the opportunity for some warm weather training as well as playing against some very strong opposition in Uzbekistan and Turkey.
“The lack of international games is always a challenge in the lead up to a major tournament so the fact we have this opportunity is huge for us and crucial for our preparations.”
In regards to how the squad is getting ready for the tournament, Scotty and the technical team are doing everything they can to ensure the lads are as equipped as they need to be to bring silverware home once again.
“Preparations are going really well; we are just off the back of a very successful camp.
“We have worked hard on the training field and introduced a number of new elements to our game, although we are happy with the team until we have had this trial against high quality opposition it is relatively unknown as to how effective it can be.
“We know our opposition for the group stages so we are working hard to prepare for them” he said.
As to where the squad is currently at, the application from the lads at training camps has been exceptional as well as strong performances in recent tournaments such as the Amp Futbol Cup and of course the Nations League.
Rogers is happy with the team’s rate of progression and believes past experience could be vital for any success the team achieves.
He said: “The squad is in a great place and we are exactly where we need to be both tactically and technically. We talk regularly about gathering evidence with everything we do.
“We know what it feels like to win a major tournament, we know what it looks like to beat the best and this is why I feel we are in a great position as a squad and I’m excited as to what we can achieve.”
Moving forward, the goal for the squad come June is clear and this weekend will be noted as an important date in the calendar if the squad is to achieve their dream.
“Come June, I want the players to have absolute clarity as to roles and responsibilities.
“I want us to be as physically and mentally prepared as we possibly can so we can get what we deserve at the Euros,” Rogers said.
It’s a massive weekend for our Lions as they continue their work and journey to continental glory and what is learnt over these few days could be crucial in any future success.
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