Golbourne relishing Tuscan tussle

By Paul Saffer in Tirrenia

Having brought the likes of Wayne Rooney and James Milner to past UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals, it is clear England are always worth watching in this competition.

First-team experience
This year's squad is no exception, with several players already having gained first-team experience with their clubs, even at this tender age. Among those, left-back Scott Golbourne was starting regularly for third-level club Bristol City FC before flying to Italy, and is enjoying the contrast with domestic football.

'Great experience'
"It's a great experience to play against different styles," Golbourne told uefa.com. "I'm learning how to cope with different teams and how they play. It is a great learning curve. It is a great experience - a one-off, a European finals."

Excellent form
Although England narrowly lost to Turkey on Thursday, they defeated Belarus 4-0 two days before to continue their excellent run over recent months, which included the best Elite round record of any team, with three wins, nine goals and only two conceded.

Team spirit
Golbourne believes that having played in several mini-tournaments over the year, the squad's fine performances can be put down to their growing team spirit. "The atmosphere becomes great," he said. "We have been together a while in a few tournaments with the squad, so we have gelled very tightly as a group. It is a great atmosphere to be in."

Free time
England approach this tournament with the same professional attitude as a senior event, but that does not mean the players are worked too hard. Golbourne said: "There is a lot of free time, we can play games in our room, there is a lot of time to relax. We've been out bowling, just to take our minds off the football, so it's relaxed rather than tense in the camp. It's finding the balance - you don't want to be relaxed or too tense."

Cole idol
As an England left-back, Golbourne's choice of role model is unsurprising. "I'd like to take after Ashley Cole," he said. "Him or Roberto Carlos are the best left-backs in the world at the moment and that's what I aspire too."

Senior ambition
Being able to mingle with the likes of Cole and the senior squad is also an ambition for Golbourne. "I stepped into the first team at my club so I am in that sort of atmosphere so it would be nice to mix in with some of the world-class players. But hopefully that will come in future years."

City gent
Golbourne feels a particular pride at ensuring Bristol City are represented in the squad along with the likes of Chelsea FC, Arsenal FC and Everton FC. "I think it's good for the club to prove they can produce players that play at international standard," he said. "It's a great honour to represent your club, a great feeling to be from one of the lesser clubs and still step in."