Sunday, July 03, 2011

Youngster Targets World Cup Glory

Academy forward Adam Morgan is relishing the prospect of England's mouthwatering U17 World Cup quarter-final against Germany on Monday night.

The Reds striker came off the bench to net a cool spot-kick in the shoot-out success over Argentina in the round of 16 - and is now optimistic the Three Lions can rise to the occasion when they lock horns with one of the competition's favourites in Morelia, Mexico.

“It was a fantastic feeling to score a penalty at a World Cup and get through to a Quarter Final,” said Morgan.

“Even though the conditions were awful, we played well throughout the match and deserved the victory. The lads are delighted we got through and can’t wait for the next game against Germany."

He added: "We're confident we can beat any team at this tournament. We can't see ourselves losing at the moment."

If England is to go on and lift the U17 World Cup they will have to overcome some of their fiercest rivals along the way.

The Three Lions' senior team has a long history of battles with both Argentina and Germany, something that is not lost on Morgan despite his tender years.

"I can remember watching England-Argentina games through the World Cups when I was younger," he said. "I remember Michael Owen's great goal in 1998 and David Beckham's penalty in 2002. It's such a special feeling to be a part of this rivalry at a World Cup.

"It's the same in the next round. They're Germany and we're England. The games between us are always special.

"We're determined to give it our all. Going forward, we've got the likes of Raheem (Sterling) and Hallam (Hope) and we're flying on the wings. As long as we put in a solid team performance we know that we will score goals.

“It’s fantastic for all the squad to have game time at a World Cup, it’s a brilliant experience for all 21 players to play and been involved at such a young age. It will definitely help us in the future, there is no doubt about that.

“Every time I get an opportunity to play, I give it my all and hope I have an impact on the matches I play in.”

He added: "We've got so many wingers and forwards who can hurt a team. We're really coming together. We will be giving it our best shot to reach the Semi-Finals of a World Cup.”

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