Charlie Cresswell is aiming for his second European title with England Under-21s Defender Charlie Cresswell has backed England Under-21s to handle the Euro 2025 pressure and ease 59 years of hurt. The Toulouse centre-back is chasing his second European title after lifting the trophy two years ago. The Young Lions face Germany in Saturday's final afterbeating the Netherlands 2-1in Bratislava. The senior side have not won a trophy since the World Cup in 1966 and Cresswell believes the U21s can shake off any final pain. "The seniors have done a great job but playing for England - it's not easy and people think England are going to steamroll most countries," said the 22-year-old. "We're winning, yes, but there's a pressure that comes with playing for England and it's how you handle that pressure. "I know you're playing for your country but it's just another game of football. It's how you handle that pressure individually and collectively. Everyone's different. "We've got to focus on ourselves because we've got belief in this team and a resilience I don't think anyone else in the tournament has. We believe in ourselves and I'm sure we'll get the job done." Harvey Elliott is the only other member of the title-winning squad of two years ago. Former Leeds defender Cresswell, who scored in England's opening 3-1 win over the Czech Republic, has memories of watching the national side fail at major tournaments and wants to help erase those memories. "I was brought up with England always a massive part of my childhood. I'd go to the local pub and I'd be watching the first team with all my mates, my dad's mates, and it would be like a big deal," said Cresswell, whose father Richard is a former Leeds United, Preston and Sheffield United striker. "[When England go out] I'm in the pub, got my dad's mates all crying in the pub, and I'm sat there thinking 'oh no'. "But it's what it's meant to be like. It's the sport we love; it's the country we're from. It's so supposed to be like that. "So for me every time I pull on an England shirt it feels like an honour - a huge honour. I'm immensely proud that I get to do this. For me to go out there and give my everything, it's the least I can do."
England will handle U21 final pressure - Cresswell
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"Cresswell Confident England U21s Can Handle Pressure in Euro 2025 Final"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Charlie Cresswell, a defender for the England Under-21 team, is optimistic about his squad's chances in the upcoming Euro 2025 final against Germany. Cresswell, who previously won a European title with the team two years ago, emphasized the importance of managing pressure as they aim to end a long-standing trophy drought for England, which has not celebrated a senior title since the 1966 World Cup. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the senior team and expressed confidence that the Under-21s possess a unique resilience and belief that sets them apart in the tournament. Cresswell believes that while the weight of expectation can be heavy, it is crucial for the players to focus on their own game and handle the pressure both individually and collectively. With the experience of having won before, he feels that they can approach the final with a level head and determination to succeed.
Reflecting on his personal connection to English football, Cresswell shared his memories of growing up watching the national team and the emotional impact of their past failures in major tournaments. He recalled the atmosphere in local pubs where he would watch games with his father and friends, feeling the collective disappointment during England's exits from competitions. His father's background as a professional footballer has also instilled in him a deep sense of pride when representing his country. Cresswell described wearing the England shirt as a significant honor and expressed his commitment to giving his all for the team. With only one other player from the previous title-winning squad, Harvey Elliott, in the current lineup, Cresswell's experience and passion for the game will be vital as they prepare to take on Germany, aiming to secure another European title for the Young Lions and help reshape the narrative of English football success.
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