Danny: We'll express ourselves

Danny Rose expects more of the ball when England meet Ukraine.

Danny Rose is expecting a different game from England’s opener when they face Ukraine in their UEFA European Under-21 Championship match in Herning on Wednesday night. 

After a late Danny Welbeck strike earned the Three Lions a hard-fought point against Spain in a match that their opponents saw more of the ball, the Spurs winger believes England will have a chance to express themselves in game two. 

The Tottenham winger, who was involved in the 2009 Finals in Sweden, played a part in England’s best attacking moves late in the first half and create a great chance that was almost turned in by Daniel Sturridge. 

Speaking exclusively to FATV in the build-up to their return to Herning, Rose said: “It was tough physically and mentally, being involved in a game where you hardly touch the ball you have to use your head and when you do get the ball you have to use it wisely. 

“Everyone knows that when you play Spain at whatever age-group they’ll have the majority of possession. 

“I put in a good cross in the first half and Studge was a bit unlucky not to get on the end of it. I think the defence was awesome and Kyle Walker was definitely man of the match. To not lose the match was a definite positive and we’ll take that into the next game.” 

Despite reaching the Finals courtesy of an unbeaten record in qualifying, Ukraine are already up against it in Group B after defeat to Czech Republic in their first game and will be keen to get off the mark against Stuart Pearce’s men. 

Rose, though, believes that the Three Lions will see more possession and that they will look to impose themselves. 

“We’ve had a little look at them and the positive side is that they won’t keep the ball like Spain, so it’ll give some of us the chance to get on the ball and really express ourselves. 

“I hope I’m in the team, but if not, whoever is in there, will be more than capable of winning us the game. 

“Training has been of a great standard, when we were out in Spain for the training camp it was probably one of the best I’ve been involved in. It just keeps getting better and better and the team morale is great as well.” 

He added: “A win [against Ukraine] is a must. Some people might say we were a little bit negative in how we set up on Sunday, but I think the Gaffer will go a little bit more attacking. People will be able to express themselves a little bit more and we’ll definitely go out a try to win the game.”