England(U21) vs Italy(U21) - Crazy golf gets England up to par

Posted Tuesday, June 23, 2015 by PA

Ben Gibson has credited a round of crazy golf for England Under-21s' vital, late European Championship win against Sweden.

As the clock wound down at the Ander Stadium, it looked like the Young Lions were going to be pushed closer to a third straight group-stage exit.

However, a moment of magic from Jesse Lingard five minutes from time saw Gareth Southgate's men eke out a 1-0 win - a huge relief following the bruising defeat to Portugal.

Injuries to Saido Berahino and John Stones clearly impacted the Young Lions ahead of the Group B opener, but Middlesbrough defender Gibson says a round of crazy golf the day after the Portugal defeat brought back the feel-good factor.

"There's a crazy golf course just round the corner (from the team hotel)," the centre-back said in an interview with UEFA.

"Funnily enough, I think that was quite important to us winning the other night after the game against Portugal.

"Obviously the camp was a bit down and when you're in a tournament, with the games coming as thick and fast as they do here, it is important you move on quickly.

"We actually arranged a mini golf tournament for the lads, so it got everyone in good spirits again.

"It was lively, it was a good laugh and everyone came back in - it didn't feel like we had lost and the next day we put it behind us and we were ready to play Sweden.

"Actually, I really think that had a big impact on us being successful in that second game."

Gibson does not believe many teams would have bounced back like England did following their opening-day defeat and he is hopeful of continuing that run against Italy, with three points ensuring Southgate's side progress to the semi-finals.

"It's hard to chase a game for 90 minutes so you have to keep them moving and hope that sooner or later, one of them makes a mistake and a gap will appear," he wrote in a blog on the Vauxhall website.

"Eventually, we wore them down and we got the break which we needed, which we didn't get in the first game against Portugal.

"But we're up and away now and that's the important thing.

"It wasn't how we won, it was getting a win behind us and now we're hoping to build on that against Italy on Wednesday."

Meanwhile, Italy midfielder Danilo Cataldi admits their European Championship chances are "hanging on by a thread" heading into the match.

The Azzurrini endured a tough start to Group B as Sweden came from behind to triumph 2-1 in Olomouc, although they improved markedly against Portugal.

Only poor finishing prevented them turning a 0-0 draw into three points, meaning Luigi Di Biagio's side take on the Young Lions bottom of the standings.

Italy will only go through if they overcome England and Sweden lose to Portugal - a tough ask, but Cataldi has pledged to keep their side of the bargain

"We are focused on the England game only and we're not thinking about what might happen during Portugal versus Sweden," the Lazio midfielder said.

"Our future is hanging by a thread, it won't be easy but we are ready.

"Regardless of which players take the pitch, we are a tight-knit group and we always do our best to honour our shirt.

"We have to face England with one single goal: victory."