Success based on solid foundations

By Andrew Haslam in Tours

England will go into their UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-final against Spain in good heart after winning all three Group B games to finish top of the section.

Three wins
John Peacock's side began with a 2-0 defeat of Ukraine and followed that up with a 3-1 victory against holders Portugal. With a place in the last four already sealed, Peacock rested a number of players for the match with Austria, but another three points followed thanks to Levi Porter's second-half strike.

Strength in depth
Peacock feels that the Austrian game was a perfect example of the strength in depth of his party. "We have a strong squad and I don't think there was any difference in quality [against Austria]; the lads who came in did exceptionally well and played some good stuff," he told uefa.com.

Show of character
"We have a very good squad of 18 players that are mentally and physically very committed. We have got strong characters, and you need a strong squad of 18 players to win this tournament - it will not take just the eleven who start the match."

Significant successes
The victories against Portugal and Austria meant that England won against the two sides who denied Peacock's team in the semi-final and third/fourth-placed play-off of last season's competition, but the England coach was keen to play down their significance. "There is a certain satisfaction in beating the two sides who defeated us in 2003, but I'm more pleased for these players because it means that we've reached the last four," he said.

Defensive solidity
Another pleasing aspect for the England coach has been the form of the defence. "I think one goal conceded in three games tells its own story," Peacock said. "Even when Austria were throwing men forward in the last few minutes we held firm. In that respect, having someone like Nigel Pearson on the coaching staff has been a massive advantage; Nigel's seen it all before and he's very good at instilling that never-say-die attitude in the players."

Strong partnership
Richard Stearman has been the cornerstone of that defence, forming a solid partnership with David Wheater of Middlesbrough FC at its heart. "Myself and David Wheater had a good partnership in the qualifiers, and we're a solid partnership now, so hopefully we can carry that on in the next games," the Leicester City FC defender told uefa.com.

French fancy
"We're pleased to be at this tournament and at the moment it's living up to expectations," Stearman continued. "We'll take one game at a time but obviously we're happy to be in the semi-finals. I've not seen too much of the other sides in the competition, but I saw France against Northern Ireland [3-0] on Eurosport - the French look a good side, and hopefully we'll meet them in the final!" 

Spanish skill
Spain must be overcome first, and Peacock acknowledges that beating the 2003 finalists is no easy task. "We also played Spain last year, and drew 2-2 with them," he said. "I've not seen much of them this year but I know exactly what to expect; they'll be very skilful and dangerous, full of players who are technically very good and it'll be another tough game for us."

Noble ambition
There is a quiet confidence flowing through this England squad, epitomised by captain Mark Noble, whose tenacity and spirit has been vital in the centre of midfield. "Spain will be a good game," he said. "But I think we've got a good chance of going all the way this year."