Thursday 9 October 2014 19:42, UK
England Under-21s boss Gareth Southgate insists his players are preparing for a tough test in their Euro 2015 playoff against Croatia.
Southgate’s U21 side host Croatia at Molineux on Friday before travelling to Vinkovci for the second leg on Tuesday.
England took 28 points from a possible 30 in their group fixtures and won their last eight games in a row, scoring a total of 31 goals while conceding only two.
However, Southgate says there will be no complacency against Croatia as they look to secure their place in next summer’s tournament in the Czech Republic.
"There won't be a problem in terms of the mentality of our players. They recognise that this is a step up from the group,” said Southgate.
"But they also recognise it is a step they can make. It is a game they have the ability to win.
"Across the 180 minutes, not everything will go for us I'm sure, so how we react to those little moments in the games will be key.
Across the 180 minutes, not everything will go for us I'm sure, so how we react to those little moments in the games will be key.
"But in terms of the professionalism and the attitude, I have no concerns about the players at all."
Southgate confirmed Carl Jenkinson, the Arsenal full-back who is on loan at West Ham, has left the camp due to his hamstring problem and that the rest of the players who have been a part of the group are all available for Friday's game in Wolverhampton.
"Carl has gone back to West Ham," Southgate said.
"He had had a hamstring injury before last weekend and after the game against QPR it had not quite settled down - he has not been able to train with us this week.
"We feel it's unlikely he would be ready for the second game and that it would be better that he goes back to work with his club."
