England(U21) vs Latvia(U21) - Boothroyd thinks high standards will help rather than hinder England U21s

Posted Monday, September 04, 2017 by PA

Aidy Boothroyd believes the high expectations among his England Under-21s players can help them achieve future success.

Manager Boothroyd admitted on Friday his side - containing several members of the England Under-20 World Cup winning team - were "devastated" after dropping two points against Holland in their opening Euro 2019 qualifier.

England continue their campaign at home to Latvia in Bournemouth on Tuesday evening and Boothroyd feels they can use dissatisfaction from the Dutch game to record a positive result.

"To go away to Holland and get a point is a good result on paper but the players, because they've been successful, will think they can do better," Boothroyd said.

"I think it's good that they can be disappointed, disappointed with themselves, but that just comes from the fact that they have been successful and what we've got to do is make sure that we recognise and keep to the plan and keep focussing on what it is we've got to do and that is to be regular contenders for tournaments and for trophies.

"When you've got those high standards, it can only help you really."

Victory at the Vitality Stadium will leave England with four points from their two Group Four matches during the international break.

That would signify a good return for Boothroyd but he does not expect a routine win against the Latvians.

"That's promotion in any league so we'll take that," he said.

"I don't think it's going to be as straightforward or as easy as that.

"These games can throw up some problems, there's all kinds of different things that could happen but playing at home with a good crowd behind them, I think we've got a really good chance of getting a really positive result.

"Whilst we're looking to develop - which is our primary aim - we've also got to develop and win at the same time."

The Under-21s' match comes a day after the senior side host Slovakia at Wembley.

Boothroyd's youngsters will tune in to watch Gareth Southgate's men with the hope of one day making the step up to full international football.

"I think consistency is the key for this group," Boothroyd added.

"If the team is playing well regularly and scoring and winning then if Gareth needs to look down and see what's available then he's got a good choice."