Cresswell urges England to raise their game in U21 Euro quarter-final clash with Spain

Centre-back Charlie Cresswell has urged his England Under-21 teammates to ‘smash’ Spain this Saturday as the Young Lions gear up for their quarter-final encounter in Trnava.

Following their 2-1 loss to Germany, England finished second in Group B, paving the way for the knockout stage clash this weekend.

Cresswell, who has played every minute of the tournament for England, was particularly vocal during the defeat in Nitra on Wednesday, especially during a lacklustre first half. He is keen for his side to carry their second-half spirit into the clash against Spain.

After the match, he told reporters: “We need to show some fight. You’re representing England, so let’s outwork them, outpace them. I was telling the lads to ‘smash into them’ and let them know they’re in for a tough game.”

“We exhibited that in the second half, but we need to bring that intensity into the next match.”

England could face an early exit on Sunday if they fall to Spain, but Cresswell isn’t ready to head home just yet.

The defender from Toulouse added: “I told the lads today, this is as good as it gets. You’re playing for England Under-21s against Germany, and next up is Spain.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We’ll reflect on this time and wish we could relive it, so it’s crucial we stay focused and savour every moment.”

Omari Hutchinson, who set up Alex Scott’s consolation goal on Wednesday, echoed Cresswell’s sentiments ahead of the quarter-final, describing it as the biggest match of his England career.

“They’re very good on the ball, but we want to assert our dominance, so we’ll need to disrupt them,” Hutchinson expressed.

“I believe we can be physically superior, so we need to outrun them and push until the final whistle.”

Liam Delap, a former Ipswich Town teammate of Hutchinson, has been a major miss for the team, and with just one goal scored in their last 180 minutes of group play, Hutchinson acknowledges the impact of Delap’s absence.

“He brings a different energy to the squad and makes things easier for others. However, we have a strong team, and everyone can step up front,” he said.

“He’s a goal-scoring striker, so it’s unfortunate that he isn’t here.”